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The First Year 

A Comic Tragedy 
of Married Life 



In Three Acts 



* 



By FRANK CRAVEN 



IOC 



3c: 



J 



The First Year 

A Comic Tragedy 
of Married Life 

In Three Acts 



J\ 



By FRANK CRAVEN 



^ 



^^ l i ni i i i r 



-F?3F5 

Copyright, United States of America, 1920, by Frank Craven. 
Copyright, United States of America, 1921, by Frank Craven. 
Copyright, Dominion of Canada, 1921, by Frank Craven. 
Copyright, Great Britain, 1921, by Frank Craven. 

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 



Especial notice should be taken that the possession of this book 
without a valid contract for production first having been obtained 
from John L. Golden, confers no right or license to professionals or 
amateurs to produce the play publicly or in private for gain or 
charity. 

In its present form this play is dedicated to the reading public only 
and no performance of it may be given except by special arrange- 
ment with John L. Golden, Hudson Theatre Building, West 44th 
Street, New York City. 

Section 28. — That any person who wilfully or for profit shall 
infringe any copyright secured by this act, or shall knowingly and 
wilfully aid or abet such infringement, shall be deemed guilty of a 
misdemeanor, and upon conviction shall be punished by imprison- 
ment for not exceeding one year, or by a fine of not less than one 
hundred or more than one thousand dollars, or both, in the dis- 
cretion of the court. 

Act of March 4, 1909. 



CI.D 58107 

JUL -871 



Jh 



/ 



JOHN GOLDEN 

presents 

THE FIRST YEAR 

A Comic Tragedy of Married Life 

By FRANK CRAVEN 

Staged under the direction of WINCHELL SMITH 

Produced at the Little Theatre. New York City, on October 20th, 1920. 

The Cast : 
ROBERTA ARNOLD - - - - GRACE LIVINGSTON 
WILLIAM SAMPSON - - - - MR. LIVINGSTON 
MAUDE GRANGER . . - . MRS. LIVINGSTON 

TIM MURPHY DR. ANDERSON 

LYSTER CHAMBERS DICK LORING 

FRANK CRAVEN ... - - THOMAS TUCKER 

LEILA BENNETT HATTIE 

HALE NORCROSS MR. BARSTOW 

MERCEITA ESMONDE ... - MRS. BARSTOW 



ACT I. — Training Quarters — at the Livingston Home, Reading, 111. 
(Towards the end of Act. I the lights will be lowered to 
indicate a lapse of a few hours.) 

ACT II. — The Ringside — at Tommy's Apartment, Joplin, Mo. 
ACT III. — The Knockout — at the Livingston Home. 



EXECUTIVE STAFF FOR Mr. GOLDEN: 

Willian M. Goddard - - Manager 

J. C. Drum - ---.-. Press Representative 

P. E. McCoy .... - General Stage Director 

George Wright, Jr. Stage Manager 

Everett Annett _.-.... Chief Electrician 

Joseph Hughes ... - - . Master of Properties 



'THE FIRST YEAR'' 



CHARACTERS 

In the order of their appearance. 

FRED LIVINGSTON 
MRS. FRED LIVINGSTON 
GRACE LIVINGSTON 
DR. MYRON ANDERSON 
DICK LORING, JR. 
THOMAS TUCKER 
"HATTIE" 
PETER BARSTOW 
MRS. PETER BARSTOW 



ACT L 



Training Quarters — ^at the Livingston Home, Reading, 111. 
(Darkness in Act I to denote lapse of time.) 

ACT IL 

The Ringside — at Tommy's apartment, Joplin, Mo. 

ACT HI. 

The Knockout — at the Livingston Home. 




Slag^ Plan— Act 1 and 3. 




Stage Plan— Act 2. 



THE FIRST YEAR 



THE FIRkST year. 

Home of the Livingstons. 

A comfortahle sitting-room, such as may he found in 
any Middle-Western suburban home. Entrance into the 
room from the hall, is a small archway R. of C. Back of 
tJtis archway, which is curtained in any quiet chintz, is the 
hall. Stairs run from C. off to L., and back of the stair- 
way is a hat-rack and umhrclla stand. There is a small 
opening. Down R. there is a window, looking out on to a 
porch, with a small settee under it. R.IJ. there is a French 
window which also leads out on to the porch, and between 
the window and door is an old desk, a hideaway for papers, 
hooks, etc. On top of the desk is a hand hall light. Be- 
tween the arch C. and the porch door is a writing desk of 
more modern manufacture. 

L. of C. is an old-fashioned wall telephone, with a 
local telephone hook suspended from the hook. A fire- 
place C, with andirons and fender and a mantle. Over 
the mantle is a large oil painting of a probable ancestor. 
Just R. of the fireplace is a small ash-stand and cigar cut- 
ter. Large easy chair in front of fire-place, and on lite 
mantle a couple of medical journals or pamphlets. L. of 
mantle is a book-case of about three or four shelves high, 
curtained, with magazines strewn on top. Against the wall 
L. stands an upright piano, upon which is a long panel 
looking-glass. Against the piano and below it is a stand 
for bric-a-brac. 

A door down L. leads to the dining-room. L.C. is a 
small oval marble-topped table with a vase of flowers and 
couple of books, and below it a settee. A rocking chair 
with side pockets is almost G. R. of it another easy chair 
'and a hassock. R. a Davenport, flanked by a. long monk's 
ftable, iviili a lamp and a flat marble match safe, an ash 
tray and a humidor and tobacco jar.) 

Through the doors of the porch R. there is a glimpse 
of the balustrade, and the drop beyond shows the street 
of the town, lined with elm or maple trees. 

The walls are hung with one or two good pictures and 
a couple^of oil paintings of ancestors. The room is lighted 
with electric lights set in old-fashioned brackets; these are 
controlled by a push-button just R. of the C. opening. 

Is is about 8.15 on a June night and the lights are on 
in the house. Th% lighting outside is bright moonlight. 



"THE FIRvST YEAR 



AT RISE — Mr. and Mrs. Livingston and Grace dis- 
covered. 

Livingston is stretched, comfortably in an arm chair 
standing at L. of tong tal)le U., reading the local paper and 
smoking his pipe. 

Mrs. Livingston is seated near him on his L., knitting. 

Grace is at the piano up L., playing some sentimental 
hit of music very quietly. As she finishes, her hands come 
down on the keys as though she was glad the tune was' 
ended. She rises and glances throuejh the music on the 
top of the pia)io. 

Telephone rings, tlirce .short, sharp rings, then 
repeated. 

LIVINGSTON— fLo^A-.y inquiringly at Mrs. LJ— Eh? 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— No, tliat's ring three— Mrs. 
Parks', number. 

LIVINGSTON— Oh !—r//e resumes his reading. 
Pause. Then without looking up) — What are we paying 
for eggs now ? 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— Fifty-eight. 

LIVINGSTON— rT»r/?.9 his head half way)—liuh'^ 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— Fifty-eight. 

LIVINGSTON — Gosh ! I can remeniher wlien yon 
could get them for eighteen. 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— It's iQrrMe\—(Goes on with 
her knitting) (Livingston resumes his reading) (In the 
distance comes a call of a girl's voice, a signal to Grace. It 
sounds like ooo-oo, oo-oooo-oo. Grace turns and starts 
slowly to the door leading to porch. As she is half way 
there the call is repeated, and as it finishes she opens the 
doors. She stands just outside the room and calls off.) 

GRACE— Oh, hello, Lou !• 

LOU— rO# stage)— TLvWo, Grace. Helen and I won't 
l)e over tonigflit. 

GRACE— You won't— why not? 

LOU — The Cameron's are calling and mama wants us 
to stay home. 

GRACE— Oh, I'm awfullv sorrv. 

LOU— 80 am I ! 

GRACE — Well, make it tomorrow night. 

LOU— All right ! 

GRACE— Good night, Lou. 

LOU— Good night. 

GRACE— Good night, Helen. — (She enters from hal- 



^^THE FIRST YEAR'' 9 

cony, sees her motJier's inejuiring look) — It was Helen and 
Lon Ford. The Cameron's are calling on them tonight, so 
they can't come over here. 

" MRS. LIVINGSTON— That's too had, dear. 

GRACE — I'm just as well pleased.— (^(rrace Xes L. 
to bookcase, then turns to table and looks for a book she 
wants.) 

LIVINGSTON — (Realizes there has been conversation 
he has missed, and looks over his paper to Mrs. Living- 
ston) — Eh — what is it? 

]\IRS. LIVINGSTON— The Ford girls, dear. 

LIVINGSTON— What about them? 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— The Gamerons are calling on 
them, so they w^on't be 'able to come over tonig'ht. 

LIVINGSTON— Oh! (Resuming his paper) 

GRACE — Did vou see my library book, mother? 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— In your case, dear, in the 
drawer I put it. — (Grace Xes to music cabinet R., finds the 
book and Xes down R. to window seat to read) (Dr. 
Myrcn Anderson enters down stairway. He stops in the 
doorway blinking a moment, until his eyes become accus- 
tomed to the lights.) 

DOCTOR — (In door up C.) — Any message for me, 
sister ? 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— Not a thing, Myron. (Doctor 
comes down to back of table) — Get any rest? 

DOCTOU~(Gets cigar from box back of table R., 
lights it) — I think I must have dozed off. — (Xes down R. 
to front of table)— W]mt time is it? 

MRS. LlYmGSTON—(ConsuUing small watch which 
she has pinned on her breast) — Quarter past eight. 

DOCTOR— Weil, then, I must have bad about an 
hour's sleep. ^S'^'^.v on stool front} of table, and writes in 
a pocket notebook.) (Grace, finding the light bad at the 
window, throwsherself on sofa R. of table R.) 

MRS. LIVINGSTON- You need it, Myron— you've 
been trying to do too much lately. 

DOCTOR— Well, there's a lot of sickness around just 
now. 

LIVINGSTON— (Reading without looking up)— Jhw 
Powell is Slick. 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— Is he— Jim Powell? What is 
it, Myron ? 

DOCTOR— Stomach ! 



10 ^-TITE FIRST YEAR" 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— Serious! 

BOCTOU— (Puts hook in pocket, turns)— ]<^ol 

LIVINGSTON— r^ooA-Z/^g up)—FAu what is it? 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— Stomach, Myron says. 

LIVINGSTON— Serious ? 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— No, dear. 

LIVINGSTON— Oh! 

DOCTOR — (Turns to Grace, and as though he was 
now fully awake, asks in a livelier key) — Where are all the 
boys tonight, Grace? 

GRACE— I don't know, Uncle. 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— They'll be here, I guess. 

GRACE — I don't expect anyone. 

DOCTOR — You won't be surprised, though, if three 
or four show up, I suppose? (Grace gives a little laugh) 

LIVINGSTON — Young Dick Loring is leaving town, 
Grace. 

GRACE— Yes, I know. 

LIVINGSTON— lluh'i—( Turning to Mrs. L.) 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— Grace knows about k, dear, 
but it's the first I've heard. What does it sav? 

LIVINGSTON— Huh? 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— Read it. 

LlYmGSTON— (Reading from paper. As he gets 
into it Grace puts down her hook and listois) — Friends of 
Richard A. Loring, will be pleased ito hear of his associa- 
tioii with the Central Pacific Railroad as a construction 
engineer. While they will regret his departure from town, 
they will be anxdous to see him succeed in his chosen pro- 
fession. We understand from Richard ithat he is to receive 
a fine remuneration. 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— Well, thank goodness I have 
a daughter and no't a son! 

DOCTOR— Wouldn't yoii like to have a son too, 
sister ? 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— No. Boys grow up and leave 
home. 

DOCTOR— Well, girls do, too. 

MR.S. LIVINGSTON— (Lauejhing confidently )— My 
girl won't, will you, Grace? 

GRACE — I haven't decided yet, mother. 

DOCTOR — You won't have much chance to leave 
home, though, if you don't hurry up and grali one of these 
boys. — (Puts his hand on Grace's shoulder.) 



^^THE FTRST YEAR'^ 11 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— Don't get that notion in her 
head, Myron. There's no need for h'er to hurry — she's 
young vet. 

GRACE— I'm twenty. 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— I wasn't married until I was 
more th-an that. 

DOCTOR — Well, there was a reason in your ease, 
sister. The town we lived in was so small it was hard for 
any voung fellow to find it. 

LIVINGSTON- rr<9 Z>oc/f>r;^Eh— what's that 
what's hard to find? 

BOCTOn—fM^ith good uaturcd finiincss)—! am not 
going all over thait again. 

LIVINGSTON— r?^^^ .l/r.s". Liviugsfon )—Wha[ is it? 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— We were talking abcait sons 
and daug'hters, Fred, and saying how much more likely 
a boy is to leave home than a girl. 

'LIVINGSTON— Oh! (Goes hack to paper.) 

DOCTOR — (Takes arm away) — You wouldn't be able 
to get Jim Powell to agre'e with you, sister! He lias three 
sons who are patermaniacs. 

GRACE — What are patermaniacs? 

DOCTOR— They love their father so much they won't 
leave him even to go to work. 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— Well of course if I had a son 
he pro'bably wouldn't be like Jim Powell's. He'd be going 
off to be a soldier or sailor or sometliing to shorten my 
days. No, I'm satisfied I have 'a girl, and I'm more sat- 
isfied to have ner stay where she is. 

DOCTOR — (Rises, goes up C. to mantel, gets strip of 
paper from medical journal, patches his cigar.) — You 
mothers lair^e 'all .alike. Yoii don 'it 'wamt to lois'e tlhem, and yet 
your great, ambition is to s'ee tihem mairried and in a home 
oif their owai. 

hlVmG^TON— (Watching the Doctor go up)—YA\, 
what's it all about? Who's going to get married? 

GRACE — (Shutting her hook with plenty of decision) 
— I am! — (They all turn and look at Grace.) 

LIVINGSTON— Huh? 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— Grace ! 

GRACE — (Embarrassed for a moment, then recover- 
ing herself) — Well, I hope I am! — (Doctor sits in arm- 
chair up C. at fireplace, reads Medical Journal.) 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— ri^diefccZ;— Oh ! 



12 ^'THE FIRST YEAIT' 

r 

GRACK — And vvlien I do — I inea,n, if I do, I've got 
it all planned — (Gets up and kneels on sofa) — I'd just 
have a very quiet wedding, and then I'd have a honey- 
mc'on — some place — (dreamily) — it doe'sn't m'atter much 
where you go on your Ironeymoon. And the-n I'd want -a 
home of my own, but the last place I'd want it is here in 
Reading ! 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— (Reproachfully)— You mean 
you'd want to go away — where you wouldn't he near me? 

GRACE— Why not? You did.— (Puts hook on table, 
goes R. to door.) 

DOCTOR— That's what she -did, Grace. 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— It was different in my case. 

GRACE— W;hy wa,s it? 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— We didn't have much money 
in our family. And I know very well my father was glad 
t'O get -rid of ime. 

LIVINGSTON — I was always popular with your 
father. I never quite realized why until you told me. — 
(Resumes reading.) (Mrs. Livingston puts knitting in L. 
side pocket of chair.) 

DOCTOR — (Coming down L. side of 3Irs. Living- 
ston) — ^^Sister, what would you do if Grace told you — 
without 'any warning — ^t'hat's -t'he way ycu 'told mot'her — 
that silie and Dick Loring were t'o be married and were 
leaving for the West? 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— f/vr>o/,-.s at Doctor; rises and 
Xes to Grace) — Grace, you don't mean to tell me you have 
any such plan? 

DOCTOR— rV^fs hack of table between them at R.)— 
Grace isn't tielling you att all sisteir — I was asking ybu 
what you'd do in case she told yo^u ; would it upset you? 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— You know it would. 

DOCTOR — You see what a commction it is going to 
cause scme'tiime, Grace. I'd hate to be t'he 'one to ask your 
mother's consent. I haven't the slightest idea what Grace's 
plans are, sister, I was just wondering what you'd say. — 
(As he Xc'S back to his seat at the fireside. Sits.) 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— Well, then, you shouldn't say 
those things to me, Myron. 1 thought Grace had really 
something to confess. 

GRACE — Confess! Why, marrying isn't a crime, 
is it? 



THE FIRST YEAR" U 



MRS. LIVINGSTON— There isn't any truth in it, is 
there, Grace? 

GRACE — I tell .you what you do, mother, you answer 
uncle's question first. I'd like to know what you'd sav I 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— I'll not answer any such thing 
— I don't even want to think of it! — (Xcs up hack of table 
and hack to her chair.) 

GRACE — Well, you don't want me to be an old madd, 
do you? — (Sits on sofa R.) 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— I wouldn't care if you were. 
(Sits C, gets out knitting.) Your father is able to sup- 
peat you. And lanyway, Dick Lorimg is the last 'l)oy I'd 
want to see yoii ^married 'to! He's always been a wild, 
straying sort — 'be wouldn't be mv choice. 

"grace— Well, I don't know that father would have 
been mine. 

LIVINGSTON— Hub? 

GRACE — Well, not from the tin types I've seen of 
vou, Dad. 

LIVINGSTON— Why, what's the matter with them? 

GRACE — Well, yoai dress better now fhaii you did 
then, I'll say tbat for you. — (Xes hack of tahle hetween 
Mr. and Mrs. Livingston) — Being an old maid might suit 
you, motlier, ibut it's never been my idea. I don't want 
father to go on supporting me all my life. 

LIVINGSTON— Me either. 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— You want to work for your 
living ? 

GRACE — Not one little bit. I want to be supported, 
and I want to be a help to the man who supports me, and 
I want to have children, and plan futures and arrange 
'marriages fca* them — (xes hack of 31rs. Livingston to L. 
of her) — Inave, handsome men for my girls, and beautiful, 
good women 'for mv boys ! 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— Grace, do be modest! 

DOCTOR — (Rises, puts magazine on mantel, Xes 
down to Grace) — You go right ahciad, Grace, and have 
children — have plenty of them. (Embraces her.) There is 
less danger of spoiling them then. 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— I don't know what you are 
trying to get at, Myron, l>ut if it's to upset me, you are 
doing very well. (Grace goes up to piano stool and sits.) 

DOCTOR — I am not trying to upset you, sister. You 
are not a bit dififerent from any other mother. You worry 



14 ^^THE FIRST YEAR^^ 

a.bout Grace all you want, but when the time come'S for her 
to make a choice, let her follow her own dictates, and then 
— go on worrying ial)out her just ithe same. — (Dr. sits on 
settee L.) 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— fLoo/,-.s at Doctor, then at 
Grace) — Well, if Grace met some nice 'l>oy I wouldn't 
Qibject 'to her marrying, if she'd settle down here. It 
would be much better for Grace anyway. She'd be where 
I could keep her company and watch over her and advise 
her. 

GRACE — But where would he the adventure — the 
romance ? 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— Oh, you want romance, now? 

GRACE— I always have! 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— Well, you won't get much 
with eight or ten children. -(Grace puts hook on table L.) 
Wtiy, Myron, Grace isn't even old enough to make up her 
mind what she wants. 

DOCTOR— Of course not. 

GRACE — (Comes clown L., sits L. of Doctor) — You 
think I am not? 

DOCTOR — Gracie, I know you are not. Even after 
you're married, you will not have your mind made up 
fully. 

GRACE — Oh, you are joking nowM 

DOCTOR— Am I? Ask' your mother when she finally 
made U]) her mind al>out your father. 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— What about him? 

DOCTOR — Well — that you had made a good selec- 
tion. 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— I always thought so. 

DOCTOR— No you i{\L\n\\—(Rises)—l know— 
(Counts on his fingers) — three timies when you were pos- 
itive you had made a big niisitake — (rises, goes to her) — 
and oine time you we're on t:he p'Ornt of separating. 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— No!— r6*mce tools had' of 
Mrs. Livingston to Mr. Livingston.) 

DOCTOR — Don't tell me that, I know! Am I right 
or wrong, Fred? (Going bad of Mrs. Livingston to Liv- 
ingston.) 

LIYINGSTON— (Turns to them, asks Mrs. Living- 
ston )~¥A\, what's that? 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— Myron says that when we were 
first married we were on the point of separating. 

LIVINGSTON— Oh— well, why recall it? 



THE FIRST YEAR" 15 



DOCTOR — I R.m trying to prove soinethiiig. 
LIVINGSTON— Well, there wa,s a time when it did 
look as thougli we'd never get through the sumnier 
BOCTOn~(Xes to C.)—l sliould say it did! 
GUACE—f I ncredulously)— ^O't those two? 
DOCTOR— fA^e.9 to Grace)— Even those two. 
GRACE— I can't believe dt ! 

DOCTOR— And I'll bet your mother can't tell you 
the reason now — doesn't remember! 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— Yes, I do, perfectly. 
GRACE— (Rmng and Xing to her mother)— \Y\vc['t 
was it ? (Doctor Xes down L.C.) 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— rrri/i/i^ to evade an answer) 
—Just a foolish thing — if I'd have had a little more sense 
it never would liave happened! 

■ GRACE — (mm insistent.) — But what was it? 
(Pause.) 

DOCTOR— G race— 

GRACE— Yes?— ^¥(^5 to Doctor.) 

DOCTOR — Does your father ever get on vour nerves*^ 

GRACE— No! 

DOCTOR— Never? 

GRACE — You mean annoy me? 

DOCTOR— Yes. 

LIVINGSTON— Eh— what is it? 

GRACE — (Almost annoyed at tJie interruption) 

Noit'hing, dad. I wisli he wouldn't do tliat, when a i'liin^' 
has beiein setitled, to ask mother to go all over it again.— 
(Sits on settee, L.) 

DOCTOR— rXf^^ C. to Mrs. Livingston, with a 
chuclde) — Isn't that strange, sister? 

GRACE— Will at is, uncle? 

DOCTOR— That's the verv thing that did it 

GRACE— Not really? 

DOCTOR — (Mrs. Livingstoin is hnitting furi- 
ously)— Yes. That haibit of his— ^' Hull, eh, what's that ?" 
led to an argument that almost caused a separation. 

GRACE — And now half the time mother repeats 
tilings for dad .before he has a chance to ask. 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— What are you trying to prove 
by all this, Myron? 

DOCTOR — That you were rig'lit 'W'lien you said Grace 
is not old enough to make up her mind, and she won't be 
until she is an old married woman — at least a year old. 



16 ^^THE FIRST YEAR'' 

GRACE — Well, how is a girl going to know if her 
choice is right when she says "yes" to a man? 

DOCTOR— She can't! All she can do is hope. And, 
oh Lord, how she has got to hope. She — 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— Is there one thing in the world, 
Myron, that you haven't nsed as a snl^ject for an evening 
lecture here ? 

DOCTOR — No, I think I have exhausted a'bout every- 
thing ! 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— I know you have exhausted me 
many nights. It wouldn't he so bad if you'd keep to topics 
that you know something about, but when you, a confirmed 
bachelor, get on the subject of marriage, I should say you 
were about the poorest authority in the world. 

DOCTOR — Not at all Il've never had yellow fever, and 
yet I can diagnose it. It's the same with marriage. I've 
studied it — I know the symptoms — =the suffering — tlie treat- 
ment — and the cure ! 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— Why don't you write a l>ook 
on it? (Disgustedly puts away knitting.) 

DOCTOR — It doesn't need a book — only two words — 
love and forgive. 

GRACE — Must the girl forgive the man she marries 
a lot ? 

DOCTOR— Oh, indeed she must. If you feel you 
can't .forgive a man at least three times a week, Grace — 
never marry ! And I want to see you married — whether 
you live here or in Siberia. 

MRS LIVINGSTON— r/^i.s^'.^.;— That's fine advice to 
give a young gild, I must say, Myron. (Xing L.) Good- 
ness knows if yo'U weiren'it my birotlier I'd n'ever reccim- 
niend you as a dcictor ! — (Exits L.) 

GRACE — (Takes Doctor's hand, seats him heside her) 
—Uncle ! 

DOCTOR— Yes? 

GRACE — (Stops ahruptty) — Wait a moment. — 
(Rises, Xes R. to Mr. Livingston) — Father — ^oh, father! — 
(Livingston lias fallen asleep. Grace watches him care- 
fully) — It's all right. — (Xes and sits R. of settee 
witJi Doctor, who has moved to L. of it) — Uncle, did you 
really mean that a girl can't know ia'bout a man until long 
a'f t:er she 's married ? 

DOCTOR— I certainlv did! 

GRACE— Oh, dear! 



^^THE FIRST YEAR'' 17 

BOCTOn— (Thinks for a moment)— 'Why, who is it? 

GRACE— W'ho's who? 

DOCTOR— The boy you have in mind! 

GRACE — (Looks at him for a second, pauses) — Well, 
there are two of them. 

DOCTOR — Two ! You are not as slow as your mother 
thanks you are. Which are they? 

GRACE— One is Dick Loring. 

DOCTOR— Ah, ha ! And the other ? 

GRACE— Tommy Tucker. 

BOCTOR— (Surprised)— Tommy I Is that so? 

GRACE — Are yon surprised? 

DOCTOR — No. I rather thought after seeing them 
here night after night, it would narrow down to those two. 
. GRACE — Umcle, wliich would you pick? 

DOCTOR— They have both asked you? 

GRACE — Dick has, heaps of times. Tommy hasn't. 
I don't believe Tommy ever would ask me — first. He is 
tlie kind who would go to mother and dad <and ask them if 
he co'uld ask- me. 

DOCTOR — Yon know I rather favor that method. 

GRACE— Well, I don't, and if Tommy ever did that, 
I wouldn't have him nnder any circumstances. 

DOCTOR— And wonld that make you prefer Dick? 

GRACE — Well, Dick is a dear. He's more romantic 
th'ain any 'boy in town. He's terribly good looking too, 
don 't you think ? 

DOCTOR — Yes, to the feminine eye, I guess he must 
be. 

GRACE — And it's nice to have a good looking hus- 
band.— '("T^ises, gets R. of settee) — But I like Tommy, too. 
He's so dependable and o'bliging. Of course, Tommy isn't 
good looking. 

DOCTOR— No, you'd never be jealous over Tommy. 
Bnt that onght to be a eomfortable feeling for a woman 

GRACE— I don't know aibout that. If I liked Tommy 
why shouldn't some other girl? Of course, I don't think 
Tommy would flirt, and Dick is a terrible flirt. That's 
what makes him so romantic. Tommy isn't romantic, at 
all. Somejiow I can't make up my mind about them. — 
(Sits on settee again) — Uncle, what your opinion? 

BOCTOn— (Puts a/m around Grace)— Well, I'll tell 
you. I set Dick 's leg once when he had it broken at foot- 
ball, and I could have wished he was my own son the way 



18 ^^THE FIRST YEAR" 

lie took it. 1 hurt lidm, too! Tommy? I brought Tommy 
inito the world — his folks were two of my dearest friends, 
and — ^^well, I wish he had been my sou, too. And there 
you are ! 

GRACE — You're not mueh help! 
' DOCTOn— (Rises)— ^0 one could ibe, Grace. There's 
only one 'vvay f'or vou to find ou't. 

GnACE— (Rises)— Whail 

TfOCTOn—(Indieating her heart )—T\vd\—[\n^ lovers' 
bureau of information. — (The door hell rings, and Living- 
ston wales ivith a start and loejJis around in a bewildered 
wag.) 

LIVINGSTON— Eh— what ? 

GRACE— fA>i^ up R., tookinej off 6'.;— The door bell! 

LIVINGSTON— Oh, who is it? 

GRACE— AVe don't know yet.— fT^n-)/.s- and looks at 
Doctor.) 

LIVINGSTON— Oh !—r^.s Grace starts up, Mrs. L. 
enters and Xes to door up C.) 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— I'll go, Grsnie.— (Exits.) 

GRACE— (Xes L. to Doctor)— It must be Dick, 
^lother is going. 

LIVINGSTON— r67?Y'^-^/»(/;— Aha ! 

GRACE — (Xes down L., gets hack from table L.) — 
Father '11 start to wake up now.. 

DOCTOR — Yes, but only long enough to go to bed. — 
(Goes up to mantel. Mrs. Livingston enters.) 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— fTr/ Grace)— It's Dick! (Xes 
d(>}vn to Livingston anel sits C.) — It's Dick Loring. — (Dick 
Loring enters, Xes down C. to Mr. and Mrs. Livingston, 
then the Doctor. He is a good looldng, dark bog, about 23 
or 24, strong and athletic looking.) 

DICK — Good evening! 

LIVINGSTON— How are you, Dick? 

DICK — Good evening, Doctor. 

DOCTOR— Hello, Dick! (Goes up L.) 

DICK— (Goes to G^mc^;- Hello, Grace. 

C^RACE— Hello, 'Di(ik.—(Sits on L. of s-ettee.) 

LR^INGSTON — We have been reading about you 
tonight, Dick. — (Mrs. L. keeps her eye on Dick all the time, 
as though she didn't trust him even in her sight.) 

DICK— Yes? 

LIVINGSTON— That.'s right, is' it, that you are 
going away? 

DICK— Yes, sir, it's all settled. 



^^THE FTR.-^T YEAR'' 19 

DOCTOR — (Up L.C.) — How soon are voii Ipaviiigr, 
Dick? 

DICK— In another week. 

DOCTOR— Where are they sending you? 

DICK — I'm not sure, yet. 

LI VINGSTON— Ell— what 's that ? 

:\IRS. LIVINGSTON- He doesn't know where he's 
going. — (Seated C.) 

LIVINGSTON— Is that so? . 

DICK — I doii't care much so long as I get awav. 

DOCTOn— (Up L.C., sitting at fireplace)— Tiivd c^f 
us 'here? 

DIC'K — (Sits with Grace) — Oh, no. There are some 
I'll hate to leave, but there are some I won't miss so much. 
I think, though, it's a good thing to get away. There isn't 
anything for me here in this town. 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— Well, you mustn't get too rest- 
less, Richard. You know what they say aibout rolling 
stones. 

DICK— A fellow has to do a little rolling, Mrs. Liv- 
ingston, to find a good place to stop. There's a w'hole lot of 
fellows Who'd have done 'better if they haxi rolled away 
from this village. 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— Why, I think most of the 
boys we know are doing very nicely. Now, you take 
Nathan Allen, helping his father in the store. Mr. Allen 
told ]ne he didn't know what he would do without Nathan. 

GRACE— That's all right for his father, but I don't 
see where it is helping Nate much. I think Nate is terril)ly 
stupid, anyway. 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— Grace! 

GRACE— Well, I do. If we didn't have weather I 
don't know what he'd do for something to talk aliout. 

DOCTOR— What ahoait To^mmy Taicker? 

DICK— Oh, well, er— Tora'mv— 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— I won't have you say any- 
thing about Tommy! I wouldn't care if he'd never been 
ofif Main Street all his life — Tommy is a nice boy ! 

DICK---Oh, I don't mean to say that any of them are 
not, Mrs. Livingston. But Tommy is in the class with the 
rest. How is a fellow to do anything in the real estate 
business in this town? There isn't anybody moving 
into the place, and tlie people here wouldn't sell anything 



20 ^^THE FIRST YEAR'' 

they h-ad anyway. Tommy is wasting his time here, and 
I've told 'him- so. 

DOCTOR — Tommy seems to ibe satisfied. 

DICK— That's just it. Doctor— they're all satisfied. 

GRACE — And thev are all dull — deadly dull. 

MRS. IJVINGSTON— I won't let you call Tommy 
dull ! 

GRACE — No, Tommy isn't, but real estate isn't a 
very rouTantic business. 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— Neither is any other. 

GRACE— Dick's is. 

DICK — Yes, it is romantic, Grace — it's a battle all 
the time. To fight against the elements — 'that's the big- 
gest opposition in the world. When vou dam a river — 

LIVINGSTON— Er! -What did he say? 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— Dam a river— 

LI VINGSTON— Whv ? 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— Dick was saying— 

GRACE— O'h, tell him later, mother. Yes, Dick? 

DICK — Or tunnel a mountain, or throw a bridge 
across a chasm, you feel as though you had done some- 
thing. 

GRACE — It must be magnificent — ^and you are going 
to do all these things, Dick? 

DICK — I'll have to do all these things, Grace. You 
see, I expect to be put in charge of a surveying and con- 
struction camp. I am not certain aibout the location 3^et, 
])ut it's out in the wilds somewhere. 

GRACE— Oh, ■won't that be thrilling! 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— P^iddlesticks!—fVof Ukiug (Jie 
trend of the conversation.) 

GRACE — (Dreamily) — Oh, mother! To sleep out un- 
der the trees, to look up at the stars, and in the distance— 

DICK — (Laughs) — Oh, no, Grace, there won't be 
anything like thait! I expeot my quarters to be quite com- 
fortable. Why, some of the engineers even bring their 
wives along. — (Mrs. Livingston notes tliis.) 

GRACE— I'd love it ! 

DICK— You would? 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— It's no place for a woman! 

GRACE — How do you know, mother, you have never 
been in one ? 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— Neither has Dick. My brothers 
used to 'have a camp, and t'liey itho'ught it was the greatest 



^^THE FIRST YEAR/' 21^ 

place in the world just ibecause they could be dirty and 
sleep in blankets. And I guess one camp is pretty much 
like another. — (Door hell rings) (Doctor rises, comes 
down L. (Dick rises, goes to Doctor. Doctor gets front of 
Dick so Tommy can't see Dick when lie comes down C.) 

GRACE— I guess tbat is Tommy. Mother— I'll go. 
— (Goes front of Dick and up C, exits.) • 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— Grace is getting almost im- 
possible. 

LI VINGSTON— Almost what ? 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— Impossible. 

LIVINGSTON— Who? 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— Grace! 

LIVINGSTON— What's she been doing? 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— Why, she— haven't you been 
lisitening ? 

LIVINGSTON— To what?— fDoor .slams off.) 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— Well, slie— 

LIVINGSTON— You tell me later. W:ho's calling? 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— Tommy, I ihm"^.— (Grace en- 
ters with box of candy) — Was it Tommy, Grace? 

GRACE — Yes, mother. — (Goes to fireplace, throws 
paper in it.) (Toynmy Tucker follows Grace on closely. He 
is quiet, shy and adoring; follows Grace with his eyes all 
the time. He comes between Mr. and Mrs. Livingston.) 
(Grace Xes L.) 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— Good evening. Tommy ! 

TOMMY — Good evening, Mrs. Livingston — Mr. Liv- 
ingston. Hello, Doctor. 

DOCTOR— Hello, Tommy I-^X^.s up C.) (There is a 
marked difference in Tomyny's greeting for the parents and 
for the Doctor. To the former he is respectfully cordial, 
hut to the latter he is almost filial. The Doctor has almost 
the same worship for him that Tommy has for Grace.) 

TOMMY — (Sees Loring, and sliows at once the rivalry 
he feels.)— niello, Dick! 

DICK — Hello, Tommy! — (He has a mild contempt 
for Tommy.) 

GRACE — (Has opened the box of candy and lias 
offered her mother some, and now extends the box to Dick.) 
— Have some candy? — (Tommy steps forward.) 

DICK— (Xes to Grace)— Ah— Oh, local goods! 
TOMMY— Yes. Brewer has the best in town, I guess. 

DICK— (Xes up C.)—ln town— yes! 



22 ^^THE FTRS^T YRAR'^ 

TOMMY— fA>5 down L. to Grace)— 1\\ liave run up 
to Cihi and gotten 'hetter, Clrace, Inut T didn't think I could 
get a train to iget me back tonig'lit. 

GRACE— T like this, Tommy. 

TOMMY— You do, eh ? 

GRACE— Yes, indeed! 

TOMMY— Well, you are tlie one I got it for.— (Turns 
and grins at Did', wJio is dmrn (\) (Docior synilcs and 
turns up stage.) 

JAYl^GSTO^— (Rising,)— Bo\Y about a rubber O'f 
bridge? I'd just like something to wake nie up. AVhat 
do you say, Dick? 

I)lCK—(Xes R. to Livingston)— "iW like to— 

TOMMY— r To (?mrr;— There'll be just four with- 
out us. 

OICK — But I can't tonigbt, I can oiilv stay a little 
wbile. — (Mrs. Livingston disposes of Iter Imitting, goes out, 
gets card table and brings it in.) (DicJc .res R. to couch.) 

LIVINGSTON— How abouit you, Myron? 
■ DOCTOR— I'm expecting a telephone call— I'll play 
until I get it. (Rises, takes Mrs. Livingston\^ cJiair and 
mejves it up C.) 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— r(7wf.9 him "card fahte.) (Xes 
R. and ejets cards from drawer in table R.) 

LIVINGSTON— Somebody can take your liand then. 
Will vou plav, Tommy? 

TOMMY— Wby, I— 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— Tommy and I want revenge 
for the last beating vou gave ns. 

DICK— Grace. ' 

GRACE — Yes, Dick. (Xes around up C. and to 
couch.) (Doctor gets cliair from table L.C., puts it fruiit 
of card table. He is on to Tommy's reluctance all the time 
and is quietly amused.) 

TOMMY— (Xes to Dick R.)—'Why don'-t you take 
my hand, Dick? You play better than I do anyway. 

DICK — No, you go rigbt ahead. Tommy, I'd ratber 
sit here and talk to Grace. — (Grace is seated on couch doun^ 
.^tage, Dick above her and Tommy stands L. of table. By 
this time everything has been pretty well arranged.) 

LIVINGSTON— Shall we play the same partners as 
last time? — (Doctor gets chair from down L., puts it L. 
of card table.) 



^^THE FIR^^T YP]AR^^ 23 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— Certainly! Tommy and I 
wouldn't have it a.ny other way. 

LTVTNGSTON— Cut for the deal and elioiee of seats, 
then. — ( Looks around) — Tommy! 

TOMMY— Yes, sir! Oh\— (Realizing they are waiting 
for him) (Thexj all cut the cards.) 

LIVINGSTON— You're low, mother. ^YheYe do you 
want 'to sit ? 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— nT7/o wants to keep her eye 
on the couple on the sofa) — I'll sit here. Faee me. Tommy. 
(She is about to sit L. of table.) 

TOMMY— rAV.v to Mrs. L. He also wishes to keep his 
eye on Dick and Grace.) — Wouldn't you rather sit here — 
Mrs. Livingston? — (Takes her chair around to R. of card 
tahle) The light is better over here, T think — (Livingston 
brings chair from desk up R., puts it back of card table.) 
'MRS. IdVINGSTON— I can see better here, I think. 

TOMMY — (Takes chair back around back of Jjiving- 
ston to L. of card tahle, places it for Mrs. Livingston. Gets 
stool from front of table R. Grace laughs at someihing 
Dick Jias said. Tommy pauses a second, then goes to card 
table, is ubout to\ sit, then has another idea.) Do-n't you 
think we ought to take these siea'ts^? (Indicating cJiairs 
that Livingston and Doctor are sitting on)- These were the 
luekv ones last 'time. They held 'all the cards. 

^MRS. LIVINGSTON— Well, it's time for the luek to 
turn to ours. — (Sits) (3Irs. Livingston sits on the L. of 
table. Doctor with his back to the audience, and Livingston 
facing audience. Mrs. Livingston lets the Doctor cut the 
cards and then she deals.) — Don't you want to come and 
waiteh us, Grace? 

GRACE— No, mother. 

TO^IMY— (Rising, going to R. of r.j- Wouldn't you 
like to plav, Gnace? I'd much rather look on. 

GRACE— fr^r^s to face Tommy)— ^o thank you. 
Tommy, I'll be company for Dick. T w^ant to hear all 
atiout his plans, because he won't be here very much 
longer. — (Turns back to Dick.) 

TOMMY— r^/ table R., his face brightens)— Tlmi's 
so— you won't be here very much longer, will you, Dick? 

DIC^ — No, Tommy, I won't, so you see I have to 
make the most of my time. 

TOMMY— Yes. 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— Cards, Toimnyl—(Grace and 



24 ^^THE FIRST YEAR^^ 

Dick have resumed their conversation and Tommy luatches 
them — doesn't hear Mrs. Livingston the first time.) — 
Tommy — ^^the cards are all dealt. 

TO'MMY — I beg your pardon. — (Picks up his hand 
and sorts it, trying hard to hear what is being said hehind 
him. He now spies a looking glass on the opposite wall 
ivhich reflects the room hehind him. It is on a hit of an 
angle, so he has to lean up stage to get a good view of the 
couple hehind him. Livingston thinks he is trying to see 
his hand and pulls it away. Tommy is embarrassed. He 
sits, then rises again, looks in the mirror, then sits.) 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— fA/fer a little deliheration)— 
I pass ! 

DOCTOR— A heart! 

TOMMY — (Looking at Dick and Grace, and just 
conscious it is his turn to hid.) — Pass! 

LIVINGSTON— Pass. 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— No trump ! 

LIVINGSTON— (Exasperated)— Why didn't you say 
that in it he first place? 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— I wanted to see what my part- 
ner had. 

LIVINGSTON— How do you expect him to havt 
anything if you have no trump? 

MRS. hlVma^TON— (Defiantly)— What do you do, 
Myron ? 

DOCTOR^Pass! 

TOMMY— (Looking at Dick and Grace)— Fasal 

LIVINGSTON— Two hearts! 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— Two no trumps. 

LIVINGSTON— r^H^ire/?/ out of patience)— Whai 
kind of biddiing do you call that? You pass first hand and 
now you are up to two no trumps. 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— I can bid my hand anv way 
I like. 

LIVINGSTON— And you are doing it. , 

DOCTOR— Pass. 

TOMMY— (Still watching Dick and Grace)— Fass. 

LIVINGSTON— Pass ! 

DOCTOR— Well, there you :are\—(Plays card, looks 
at Tommy, attracts his attention hy nudging him) — Your 
hand goes down. Tommy. 

TOMMY — Oih, beg your pardon. — (Lays down his 
hand and again turns to Grace and Dick, who are deep in 



THE FIRST YEAR" 25 



conversaiion. After a pause, as though he were trying to 
think of something to sag) How soon are you leav- 
mg D'iQk'l~(Diel' and Grace pag no attention to him)— 

Tm^T^^^tT'^"^ ^"^ T^^mmy/; he is annoged)~V^hai^. 
lUMMi — How soon are you leaving? 
THCK— I don't know— I have got to be home early 
though. *^' 

TOMMY — I mean for good. 

DICK — Oh, in about a week, I guess. 

TOMMY— Oh, not for a week, eh?— fPa^/.sc;— Going 
to be gone long?-r(?>-ac. laughs. There is no answer from 
iJiek) (After a pause changes tactics)— The old town is 
good enough for us, isn't it, Grace? 

T .1 ^l^^—C^'ftniing to Tommy, rather sarcasticaUii)— 
1 thought you were playing bridge? 

^)^^^^^^!''^''^^' "" '"''^' ^^ triumph)— Vm dummy! 
i>>lLll— Why can't you be a good onel— (Turns hack 
to Grace.) 

^nr^ ^^^^[^'—('^^ifrning to Tommy, sympatheticallij)— 
What ^ was it you asked me. Tommy? 

TOMMY— I said— the old town was good enouo-h 
for us. ° 

GRACE— Why, it uMy be for you, Tommv, but I'm 
like Dick— I '11 be glad to get away. 

TOMMY— r.4.s^ though struck)— Yon don't mean to 
sfly you re going away ^— (Mrs. Livingston puts carels 
(town, having completed the hand.) 

GRACE — I don't know, Tommy — I may 

MRS LIVINGSTON-r/^r/.rr^«^ to having won the 
hand)—W\mt do you think of Urntl— (Doctor deals cards ) 

_ rOMMY— (Thinking only of what Grace has said)— 
1 think It is terrible ! 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— To make a small slam? 

TOMMY— Oh— eh? 

^OCTOU~( Realizing Tommy has been caught, picks 
up hue for him)— I expected you to make a graiid one 

LIVINGSTON— That's the way Emily plays, Myron. 
Passes a hand first time good enough to go game on 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— Well, if I had known Tommy 
had all tlwse spades I'd have called no trumps first time. 
— (Door hell rings.) 

LIVINGSTON— Who's that? 
^ MRS. LIVINGSTON— I don't know, dear. See who 
it is, Grace. • 



26 ^^THE FIRST YEAR" 

(Grace Xes up C. and exits.) 

DOCTOR— It may be for me ! 

LIAaNGSTON— Let's get on with this \mud.—(Dick 
walks around table, looking at cards each player holds; 
he first goes hack of Livingston.) 

DOCTOR— I pass. 

TOMMY— Pass. 

LIVINGSTON— I bid three spades. 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— Three spades? 

LIVINGSTON— That's wh(at I said— and I'll make 
them, too. 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— Well, I haven't given it to 
vou 3^et ! — (Dick Xes down hack of Mrs. Livingston.) 

LIVINGSTON— All right, go ahead bid! I can go 
hig'her, d>f I am pns'hed. 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— I pass! 

DOCTOR— Pass!— rZ>?cA-, goes hack of Doctor.) 

TOMMY — ^^Piass! — (Mrs. Livingston plays.) 

LIVINGSTON— Any help, Myron? 

DOCTOR — Here and there a card. — (Spreading his 
hand on tahle) (Grace enters and conies down to tahle R. 
of Livingston, speaking to him.) 

GRACE— Oh, dad, it's Mr. Plimmer. 

LIVINGSTON— Wants to see me? 

GRACE— Of course. 

LIVINGSTON— What's he want? 

GRACE — I didn't ask him. — (Goes helow Tommy and 
talks to him a moment. Dick takes her hy the arm and'i 
they start out up R.) 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— You'd lietter go out and see. 
Hut talk 'to him out there. If you ever ask him in here 
he'll never leave. Grace will play your hand. 

LIVINGSTON— fi^i5f.v, Xes up C, taking cards with 
him) — No, W'ait until I come back. I want to play this 
hand myself. (Exits.) 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— Where are you going, Grace? 

GRACE — Out on the porch. — (Doctor swings chair, 
faces R.) — I'm simply burning up in here. — (She and Dick 
exit. Tommy following them with his eyes.) 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— fT^ises, Xes up to window R.) 
— I wish she wouldn't do that. 

DOCTOR — What a glorious night. — (Tommy heaves 
a deep sigh.) 



^^THE FIRST YEAR^' 27 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— Why don't you stay in here 
and play something for us, Grace — Tommy will sing. ■ 

TO'MMY— f /?i'.sY'.s;— God, no ! Please, please, Mrs. 
Jjiving'ston ! I doii'^t feel like singing 'to-night. — (Comes 
down front to R.) 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— What's the matter, Tommy, 
don't yon feel well? 

TOMMY— No, m-a'ain— I've a he-adaehe— 'had it ail day. 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— I'm sorry. Tommy. Can't 
you give him something, Myron? — (Xing to Doctor.) 

DOCTOR — (Tommy turns to watch Grace anel Dick) 
— I think so. Get me a glass of waiter, sister. You should 
have some asperin in tihe 'house. 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— ^AV.s to L.j- They'll be in 
Fred's little tal)le if thev're any place. — (Exits L.) 

TOMMY— I'll be all right, Doctor. 

DOCTOR — Well, asperin won't hurt you. Tommy, 
whetiier yon have a he'adache or not. — (Tommy, stealing, 
looks out window) (Doctor rises, goes to Tommy) — What 
sort of a pain is it, Tommy, dull — lieavy ? 

TOMMY— Yes, sir. 

DOCTOR — Ah, yes, stomach probably.— ("G^/w^' and 
Did;, arm in arm, pass window R. and then out of sight.) 

TOMMY — I guess so, sir. — (Looking off R., then turn- 
ing to Dr.) — Doctor, has Grace said ^anything to you about 
going away? 

DOCTOR— No. Is she? 

TOMMY— She just itold me jnst now she might. 

V>OQ'VOU—(Goes up 7^.(7.;— Humph ! 

TOMMY— (Watching Doctor, and getting L. of C.)— 
What is it, Doctor? 

DOCTOR— (Coming down R. of Cj— She may mean 
that. Tommy. I think Dick is trying to induce her to go 
away with him now. 

TOMMY— Yes? 

DOCTOR— Yes. 

TOMMY— (Xing R., looking (nit window)— Yes, I 
thought of sort^so'rt of thong'ht so, myself. 

DOCTOR— Grace likes Dick. 

TOMMY— Yes, I think she does. 

DOCTOR- He's the style that appeals to the girls. 
Tommy, not fellows like us. 

TOMMY— (Turning to Doctor, and meantally com- 
paring himself with /iimj— Us? 



28 ^ THE FIRST YEAR" 

DOCTOR— Yes, us. We're alike, I think— (Enter 
Mrs. Livingston) — We're quieit, maitter O'f fact sort of men 
— 110 romance abcait us, is t'here? 

TOMMY— No, sir. 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— There you are, Myron— now 
I'll find li'lie tableitis. — (Puts glass of water on card table, 
then Xcs up C.) 

TOMMY--Please don'it bother, Mrs. Livingston.— 
(Going up R.) 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— Bo'ther? Don't be silly, 
Tommy. — (Exits np C.) 

TLnniY— (Coming down R. to front of fable R.) — 
You know. Doctor, I think you're all wrong a^bout me. 

DOCTOR— How so, Tommy. 

TOMMY— I am romantic! 

DOCTOR— You are? 

TOMMY — Yes, sir — more th'an you'd suspect. 

DOCTOR— Is thiat so? Why, I'd about made up my 
mind you were going to be aji old baclielor — like me 
Tommy. 

TOMMY— I liope not. 

DOCTOR— Huh? 

TOMMY — What I imean is I'd like to get married 
ssometime. 

DOCTOR — Did you have a girl in mind that you 
wanted to marry? 

TOMMY — (Looking out window) — Yes, sir— t have. 

DOCTOR— Oh, you did, eh? 

TOMMY— (Turning to Doctor)— No— noi did, have! 
I've got her in mind now. That's as near as I'll ever get 
her I ^''uess. 

' DOCTOR— Why, who is she? 

TOMMY — Are you making fun of me. Doctor? 

DOCTOR— You don't mean Grace? 

TOMMY — I 'haven't l)een coming here night after 
night to see Mrs. LivingS'ton. 

DOCTOR— Well, has Grace refused you? 

TOMyLY~(DouJ)tfully)—VY'e never asked her. 

DOCTOR— Well, what are you waiting for? She 
can 'it say yes if you don't ask her. 

TOMMY — (Indicating Dick and Grace, out wi)idow 
R.) — I'm aifraid it's too Late now. 

DOCTOR— That's no way to talk— try it and find 
out ! 



^^THE FIRST YEAR^^ 29 

TOMMY— (Turning to Doctor)— A]\ rig:lit, Doe^or, I 
will! I'll speak to Mr. and Mrs. Livingston tonight. 

DOCTOR— Good Lord, no— speak to Grace! 

TOMMY— To Grace? 

DOCTOR— Yes. 

TOMMY— (Looking off to balcony)— How '\l I get a 
chance ? 

DOCTOR — Make one! If you're romantic — ^be ro- 
mantic — put your iwhole heart into -it — ^don't i])e afraid! 
Walk right up and grab her — and make lier listen to you. 

TOMMY — Well, Doctor, when you say gna'b her — you 
don't mean — (Makes movement of grabbing) — GRAB her? 

DOCTOR— Yes I do— grab her and hang on— (Mrs. 
Livingston enters with tablets^ comes clown betiveen Tommy 
and Doctor.) 

MRS. LIVINGSTON — Here you are, Tommy. 
(Gives Tommy a pill.) How many do you think he ought 
to take, Myron ? 

DOCTOR— (Looks at Tommy)— WeW, not many. You 
can take one now and one in half an hour, Tommy. 

TOMMY— Yes, sir.— (Takes the pill and glass of 
water, which he gets from card table, places glass of water 
on table R.) 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— f^/^^^r placing asperin bottle 
on table R., goes L. of card table, sits) — Fred still talking? 

DOCTOR — I guess so ! — (Door slam) (Livingston en- 
ters, comes to his seat back of card table. Doctor and 
Tommy reswme their seats.) 

LIVINGSTON— All right— I bid three spades! 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— Did you? I wish your memory 
was as good as that about other things. 

LIVINGSTON— And you all passed. (Telephone bell 
rings twice.) 

DOCTOR— I guess that's for me. 

LIVINGSTON— Oh, Lord ! 

DOCTOR— ^Go^'^ to phone up 6'.;— Hello— this is 
Dr. Anderson — yes, Miss Kennedy — ^^she has? All right — 
I'|l be right over. — (Hangs up receiver, rings off, comes 
down C.) — I'll have to leave. 

LIVINGSTON— This has been a fine rubber. 

DOCTOR— I'm sorry, Fred. 

LIVINGSTON— Weil, you're dummy anyway, My- 
ron. We can finish this hand. — (Doctor goes up C; as he 
passes Tommy he nudges him to attract his attention. 



30 ^^THE FIRST YEAR'^ 

Tommij turns to Doctor, who stops up C, then turns to 
Tommy and motions for Tommy to grab Grace. Living- 
ston turns, catches the Doctor, who goes into hall up C.) 
(Tommy and the Livingstons start playing the hand.) 
(Grace enters from porch; she is very serious, and goes to 
window seat R. As Grace enters. Tommy turns to see her 
and plays out of turn. Dick' follows Grace in and goes 
down R. a little, watching Grace, then hack to C.) 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— That was my king, Tommy. 
(Grace goes to window seat R., sits.) 

TOMMY— I beg your pardon! 

DICK — (Coming to hack of card tahle.) — Good 
aiig'ht, Mrs. Livrngst'on, Mr. Livmgslo'n ! 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— Going, Dick? 

DICK — Yes — I have some iblue prints I ^have to look 
over. 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— I see.. Well, good night. 

DICK — (Almost walks into the Doctor out in hall up 
C.) — Good night, Doctor. 

DOCTOR — You're leaving early, aren't you? 

DICK — I didn't expect to stay late toniglrt, I have 
a lot of work to do. — (Exits.) 

DOCTOR — Wait a minute, I'll go along with you. 
— (Out in hall.) 

LIVINGSTON— Oh, Myron— (Doctor comes to door 
C.) — I made my three. 

DOCTOR— Good \~( Exits C. to L.) 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— You wouldn't if Tommy 
hadn't put his ace on my king of diamonds. — (Door slam.) 

TOMMY— I'm terribly sorry aibout that. 

LIVINGSTON— You want to play, Grace? 

GRACE — I'd rather not, dad. — (Xes and sits on arm 
of sofa R.) 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— Tommy's head is aching, too. 

hlYlNGSTON— (Resigned)— Oh, all right— (Takes 
tahle with cards and scores and exits into hall tvith them.) 
(Mrs. Livingston moves the chairs, one down L., the other 
up L.C., then tidies musia on piano.) 

TOMMY— (Xes to Grace, replacing stool helow table 
R.) — I haven't had a chance to talk to you all evening. 

GRACE — Well, you'd rather play cards. 

TOMMY— Not rather. 

GRACE — You did. I supposed you pr^ ferred to. 

TOMMY — I'll never do it, again. The next time I'm 



^^THE FIRST YEAR^^ 81 

asked to play cards I am gioing to say — No, T have a bead- 
ache. Oif course — I'll do it nicely, but I won't play cards. 

GRACE — Tommy, you are getting bold. — (Livingston 
enters C.) 

LIVINGSTON— It's half past nine, motber, I'm going 
to bed. 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— All right, dear. 

LIVINGSTON— Good night, Tommy. 
_ TOMMY— Ob, good night, ' Mr. Livingston.— f3//-.9. 
Livingston arranges music on top of piano and closes it.) 

LIVINGSTON— rOomi^^ down ■ R.C.)— Where is 
Dick? 

GRACE— Gone ! 

LIVINGSTON— Is that so? 

GRACE— He said good niglit to you. 
■ LIVINGSTON— fZ'f.^ between Grace and Tonunij)— 
Did he? I didn't bear bim. 

GRACE — He bad some work to do. 

LIVINGSTON— Did be? Ob, I see.— (Sits between 
Tommy and Grace) — How is business witb you, Tommv? 

TOMMY— Why, all rigbt, Mr. Livingston, in fact, I 
am doing very well — mucb better 'tbian I expected to 
be doing. You see, I bave a business tbat is contain — 
it isn't big, but it is certain. I am very glad tbat you and 
Mrs. Livingston are bere because it gives me a ebance to 
speak to you nn a subject. — (The Livingstons are all 
attention. Grace looks as though she could guess what 
ivas coming and dreads it.) 

TOMMY fCont'd.;— I bave wanted to speak to you 
ahoMt.^( Telephone hell rings.) 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— Just one moment, Tommy!— 
(Goes to phone) (Tommy is perspiring ivith nerves) — 
Hello ! Yes — who is it-^Ob ! Tommy, ^lyron wants to speak 
to you. 

TOMMY— Tile no'etor1—(Xes to phone. Mrs. Liv- 
ingston comes down C and sits.) — Hello! Yes sir — yes — I 
know be did — ^^tbey bave? — Yes — I'll try — ^^and remember 
— yes — thanks for reminding me ! — (He hungs up receiver, 
rings off, and comes down R. of C. in a hewildered man- 
ner.) 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— ^To Tommy, as he gets down 
R.C.)—Wrs it important? 

TOMMY — Yes ! Yes ! I should say it was ! Sometliing 
the Doctor wanted me to be sure and remember. 



^ ^^THE FIRST YEAR^' 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— I think I know what it is!^ 

TOMMY— (Afraid she does)— You do? 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— Your other ta'blel. 

TOMMY— Yes, that's it! He thought I'd forget it. 
(Gets tablet from table, and u'afet\ takes tahtet feverishly, 
with relief.) 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— Now, Tommy, we are all inter- 
ested — wh^at was it yon were going to tell ns? 

TOMMY— (After a seeond's pause)— Nothing I 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— What? 

TOMMY — I guess I'd rather not say anything about 
it. 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— Well, if it's important and 
something you think Fred and I ought to know — 

TOMMY— (Quiekly)— no, no, it's nothing like that. 

LIVINGSTON— Like what? 

TOMMY — Like something you ought to know\ Tt'd 
take rather a long time to tell yoii, and I didn't realize it 
was so late. 

LIVINGSTON— Well, then, don't start it to-]iight. 

TOMMY— No, I won't. 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— Well, just as you please about 
it. — (Rises, moves chair iip R. of table L.) — Good night, 
Tommy. 

TOMMY— Good nighit. 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— Don't sit up too late, Grace.- 
(Goes off C, for \count of ten, then comes hack to door- 
ivuy, calling down stage.) — Fred! — (Exits up stairs.) 

LIVINGSTON— Eh 1— (Looks from Grace to Tommy, 
then realizes that Mrs. L. means to leave them alone.) — Oh! 
— (Rises and goes up CJ— Oh— good night, Tommy ! — 
(Exits up stairs.) 

TOMMY — Good night! — (Tommy goes up to see 
they^re gone^ then after a pause looks at telephone, remem- 
bering what the Doctor told him. Then making up his 
mind, he comes down stage back of Grace and grabs her.) 

GRACE — Tommy, behave yourself! — (She pushes 
him off ; he falls away in front of her, then rises and .slowly 
Xes stage to I.) — What do you mean by that? 

TOMMY— I beg your pardon. 

GRACE— What's the matter with you? 

TOMMY— Will you iforgive me, please! 

GRACE— Why, Tommy, that isn't a bit like you. 

TOMMY— I know it isn't. 



^^THE FIRST YEAR^' 83 

GRACE — Toinniy — what did Unele call you up 
about? 

TOMMY — He wanted to give me some adviee — a'bout 
someithing, 

GHACE— (Rising)— Oh ! 

TOMMY— But it wasn't any good. 

GRACE — 1 thought your telephone message had 
sonieithing to do vvit'h me. — (Sits on stool front of fahJc 
R.) — Oil, Tommy, what were you going to speiak to moitlier 
and dad a-bout? 

TOMMY — It wasn't anything important — it was 
something aibout busines. 

GRACE — Oh, is vour business improving, Tommv? 

T0M:\IY— Yes— that is, I'm satisfied! 
. . GRACE — Yes, tliait's what Dick said about you to- 
night — ''you're satisfied." 

TOMMY— rAjj?(7 to /^r/'j- Dick's all wrong about 
that — I'm a long way from l>eing satisfied. 

GRACE — He meant with your business and your sur- 
roundings ! 

TOMMY— Oh ! 

GRACE— Don't you feel, though, Tommy, that you'd 
like to get away — branch out and try your luck with new 
people in new scenes? 

TOMMY— Why, would you like to go away, Grace? 

GRACE — Indeed I would, Tommy ! I am so tired of 
the same parties with the same people — same talk — same 
everything. You don't know how I almost h^ate it. 

TOMMY — Well, I suppose it's because you're a girl — 
you haven't 'business to take up your 'time. Maybe if 3^ou 
had a liome — of your own — I mean — la bome of your own 
— THAT would help to keep vou busv — and happv ! 

GRACE— Here? 

TOMMY— Yes ! 

GRACE— Oh, no [—(Tommy turns awai))—lV^ 
nerves with me. Tommy! I dan't listen to the surf — some 
people it puts to sleep. I never could practice scales; it 
drives me mad to sit and go da, da, da, da, da, da! I wish 
I had been a boy! I'd go and see places and people — get 
out and do something — like Dick ! 

TOMMY— You and Dick are a good deal alike. I 
suppose tbat's the sort of chap you'd like to marry, Grace.- 

GRACE — Maybe we wouldn't want to travel to tbe 
same places at the ^me time, though. 



U ^'^THE FIRST YP]AR" 

TOMMY— T should think a fellow woiiki do aiiythiiig 
yon would want him to do. 

GRACE — (Looks at him) — All men are no't like you, 
Tommy ! 

TOMMY— No, tliat's righit, if they were, there 'd be 
no Colnmhuvses, or Drakes, or Pearys. 

GRA'C/E — (Rising) — I wonder what sort of a girl 
you'll marry, Tommy. 

T0M:SIY— (Without looldng at her)— J don't know- 
now ! 

GRACE— Why ''now"? Did someone refuse you, 
Tommy? 

TOMMY— Pnaetieally. 

GRACE — Then she hasn'it one grain of sense! — 
(Tonung tio'ns to licr (/uicklfj) — Who is she. Tommy? — 
(Tommij with his heart in his eyes, thinking she knows hut 
is laughing at him, turns away) — Can you tell me? Hoai- 
est, who is it? — (Pause.) 

TOMMY— You! 

GRACE— Me 1— (Pretending surprise.) 

TOMxMY— TTgh— hugh ! 

GRACE — l^ut how can you say I refused you. 
Tommy? You've — you've never asked me! 

TO^IMY— (Looks at her)— I 'thought you knew— 
just now T spoke about a home of your own. 

GRACE — Oh, Tommy! — (Meaning site never con- 
sider eel tJtat a proposal.) 

TOMMY— (Turns awety)—l know that whatever I'd 
offer you wouldn't Ix^ indueement enough. For the first 
time, I wish I was like Dick. B'ut I'm not — I couldn't 
be! 

GRACE — (Coming down to him) — Couldn't you, 
Tommy? 

TOMMY— No, I just couldn't. I'll tell you the truth 
— while you were out there with Dick tomglut, the Doctor 
told me I was all wrong. He told me I ought to be roman- 
tic. He told me a lot of things to do. I can't remember 
them, and I couldn't do them if I did. I was going to 
sj)eiak to your father and uTcther tonight, and then the tele- 
phone rang, and the Doctor told me — ^again — I w-asn't to 
'do !t'h'at — 'he told me befoire 'but I had ifo'rgott'en that,, too. 

GRACE— I tbonght that was it. Did he tell you Dick 
and I had had a quarrel? 

TOMMY— Yes. 



^^TIIP] FIRST YEAR'' 35 

GRACE— And the reason? 

TOMMY— No— he didn't have time. He just said 
"Re roniantic and grab 'her!" 

GRACE — (Laughs; goes up R. a little and comes hack 
to Tommy) — Y^ou do love me, a lot, don't you, Tommy? 

TOMMY"— Grace, I can't tell yoii 'how mue'h. 

GRACE — Y^ou don't have to. I wonder if you would 
marrv me if I said — ves? 

TOMMY— Grace! 

GRACE— Wait! If I said ''yes"! 

TOMMY— Y^es. 

GRACE — Provided we go away some place to live. 

TOMMY^— All right!— fPaHsc;—But wouldn't it be 
,the same if we t'ook a couple of 'trips 'every year? Theji, 
when we came back, -everyt'liing would be practically new ! 

GRACE— I couldn't marr}^ anyone and live here. 

TOMYIY — (Quickly) — All right— (Then another 
pause for thought) — But there is my business, Grace? 

GRACE — Haven't you faith enough in yourself to 
build up another — some other place? I have. 

TOMMY^— Have you? Y^es, I guess I could do that! 
Is that all, Grace? 

GRACE— That's all, Tommy! 

TOMMY— Gee! What a lucky fellow I am. 

GRACE — Do you really think so. Tommy? Caring 
for the things you do, you'd give them all up for me, and 
thiid^ vou were lucky ? 

TOMMY^— Why, that's nothing to what I'd do for 
you. I wish I could tell you ! 

GRACE— (^>Sfi^5 L .of table E.;— There is something I 
must tell you toio, Tommy. I want always to be honest with 
you. Sit down. — (Tommy looks around for a seat at L.) — 
No, here! — (Tommy Xes R, sits front of table R. on stool) 
(Grace moves her chair down close to him) — I told yoii 
Dick and I had a quarrel. Do you want to know what it 
was about. 

TOMMY— If you want to tell me. 

GRACE — Y^es, I do. Dick asked me to marry him. 
Go away wiifh 'him. And .when I 'wouldn't elope, we 
quarrelle'd. It wais'n't tihat sio much, tli'ougb, as it wa's what 
he said — ^that it would 'be 'the last chance I'd have. 

TOMMY— Oh ! I see. You are agreeing 'to marry me 
just to show 'Dick? 

GRACE — ^o — I'm marrying you — (Rising 



''THE FIRST YEAR' 



and meaning it) — because I love you, Tommy! — (Tommy 
rises) — And I will try and make you happy. 

TOMMY— All I Vsk is to be as 'happy as I am a't this 
moment. — (Grace stands waiting for him to kiss her. They 
are both emJ)arrassed) — Are we engaged? 

GRACE — Well, not really — yet! — (There is a pause. 
They I)otJi stand looking at each other; then lie kisses rer, 
gets foot caught in stool, takes it out, laughing. Grace 
laughs, then sits in chair L. of table R.) 

TOMMY— We are now ! 

GRACE — Yes! — (Tommy sits on table, then on arm 
of her chair. lie tries to get his arm around her, hut just 
as lie gets it hack of her, she looks up, and lie brushes his. 
hair hack. Then as she looks away he gets arm back of 
her.) 

TOMMY — Did you really mean wha-t you said about 
wanting to go away ? 

GRACE — Oh, yes, Tommy. I want to travel and see 
strange places. 

TOMMY— Well how about Joplin, Missouri ? 

GRACE— J'oplin? 

TOMMY— Would you like to go there? 

GRACE— Oh, yes. 

TOMMY— Well, tha't's fine, because I know a fellow 
in Joplin wbo has a business for sale, and he told me — 
(As he speaks the lights go down until the house is in utter 
darkness. Then a clock strikes 12^ and as lights go up 
they are sitting in the same position.) (Two blue spots 
come on at R. with stage lights, one hits table R., the other 
hits door up C.) — More than anybody in the world? 

GRAC'E — More than anylDoily in the world. 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— ri^rom head of stairs, off stage) 
— Grace, do you know it is 12 o'clock? 

GRACE— Yes, mother! 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— Has Tommy gone? 

GRACE — He's just going. — (Goes front of table and 
up to door R.) (Tommy rises. His foot is asleep; he kicks 
it with the other to wake it up. Gets hat he has left on, 
table in hall, then kisses Grace and exits; he is heard whist- 
ling down the street) (Grace, humming to herself, turns 
off light in lamp on table R., then^ switch fi. of door C, at 
the foot of the stairs she calls) — Mother, what do you 
think ? 

CURTAIN 



^^THE FIRST YEAR^^ 37 

ACT TI. 

The home of the Tuekers in Joplin, Mo. 

An unprententious panelled rom in a plain wash color. 
It is furnished with cheap 3Iission furniture. A large 
recessed window C. (curtained). There is a door L.U., 
leading from the hallway, in which there is a tliumh hell. 
This door is set in a sort of alcove, about a foot and a half 
deep, just allowing room for a hat rack and an umbrella 
stand. 

Swinging door R leads to the kitchen. Below this 
door there is a huilt in china closet. The lower half is 
taken up with three drawers in which is kept the table 
linen; the upper half, filled with shelves and books, holds 
the plates and saucers and knives and forks and cups.- 
There is a chair placed below this cupboard. 

Below the door is a small table. On it are four nap- 
kins and rolls, all ready for the>. dinner table. Against the 
the wall L.C. is a combination desk and bookcase. In the 
upper part ivith the book shelves are two blue prints of 
the AwAisement Park property. The desk has the usual 
assortment of writing paper, pen and ink, etc. On top 
of the bookcase is a small oval frame with Grace's picture 
in it, and above the desk is a still larger one hanging on\ 
the wall; between the bookcase and the C window there 
is a victrola, with records in the cabinet below 

A dining table stands R C. A buzzer, with the wire 
running to the kitchen, is under the table within easy 
reach of Grace's foot when she seats herself. A small tri- 
angular shaped table is L C with a large easy chair R of 
it and a smaller chair L. Everything is neat but inex- 
pensive. There are four green glass brackets on the wall. 

It is about 7.30 in the evening. 

(After curtain is well up, GRACE enters from kitchen 
with tray on which are 3 vases of flowers', puts tray on 
table, places one vase on table up R., the next on bookcase up 
L.C, and third on table down L.C. (Xes to closet R. and 
gets 4 dinner plates and 4 salacl plates and puts them on 
tray.) 

Doorbell rings; she hesitates, then Xes to door and 
opens it. 

HATTIE discovered standing there. 

GRACE— Well? 

HATTIE— I want to see Mrs. Tucker. 

GRACE — Just eome in a minute, please. 



38 ^^T'HE FIRST YEAR^^ 

(Haftie enters. She is poorly dressed; carries a small net 
slwpping hag. Comes down C) (Grace closes door, comes 
down L. of table L.) — I 'am Mrs. Tiieker. 

HATTIE — My Mammie sent me to tell you she cain't 
eome to work for you this evenin ! 

GRACE— Oh*! Good Hmveais !— ^S^/^s L. of table L.) 
({Hattis comes down C. and waits to he ejuestioned. She 
has the habit of not looking at the person she is speaking 
to.) — Why oan't your mother eome to-night. 

HATTIE— She's got misery. 

GRACE— I never he^ard of it. What 's misery ? 

HATTIE— I don't know 'exactly, 'but it makes Mam- 
mie feel like she don't want to do nothin' Init lie down. 

GRAC^—(Xes to Hattie)— You go liome and tell 
your moither I've simply got to have 'her. I've two people 
coming to dinner tonight I've aiever seen heifore. 

HATTIE — It w^on't do no good, cause when she gets 
her miserv att'acks, she has to 'break all her dates. 

GRACE— fA'^.s R.C.,; stops suddenly)— 0\i, dear! 
(Hattie turns, comes down C.) What's vour name? 

HATTIE— Hattie 

GRACE— Well-er- Hattie, do vou work out? 

HATTIE— Casiouallv. 

GRACE— What do you do? 

HATTIE— Washes. 

GRACE— Did you ever wait on table? 

HATTIE— Yes 'm— but I washes best, tho. 

GRACE — I don't need anybody to wash tonight, l)ut 
I do want someone to serve dinmer. Will yoii do that for 
me? 

HATTIE — There's sometihing here I got to take home 
to Mammie (Holding 'up the net hag.) 

GRACE — But, Hattie, I only want, you about an hour. 
Won't til at be time enough? 

HATTIE— fT/w?A'-5 for a moment) Yes'm, I guess so. 

GRACE — You see, I can tell you exactly what 
I want you to do. You will ju^t remember what I tell you. 
(Goes \to right R.) And I'll give you an apron to wear. 

HATTIE — (Sitting in arm chair L of table R) 
That's all right ^ — ^^these a'he my old clothes. 

GRACE — Just the sam'e I'd rather you'd wear one. 
(Goes to closet R., gets 2 bouillon cups and 4 saucers and 
puts them on tray on tahle R.C.) W'e are not going to 
have anything elaboTatie, but I 'have cooked a nic'e dinner, 



^^THE FIRST YEAR'^ 39 

amd I'd like it well served. Come here, Hattie. (Hattie 
goes up R. to Grace.) -Do you know where 'to stand wlien 
you are waiiting eai a person ? 

HATTIE— Alongside of them. 

GRACE — (Trijing to he patient) Yes, of course, but 
which side? 

HATTIE— Nome. 

GRACE— On the left ! 

HATTIE— On the lef? 
GRACE — (Xes C and sits in chair L of table R) Yes. For 
instiance, if I was sitting here, where would you stand ? 

HATTIE— On the lefM 

GRACE— Show me ! 

ILATTIE— (Hesitates then Xes to L of Grace) Here! 

GRACE — (Rises, goes down R., gets 2 bouillon cups 
from sideboard) Now, Hattie, do you know what these 
are for? 

HATTIE— Coffee! 

GRACE — (Xing to Hattie) No — ^not witli two handles 
— tihese are fo^r the bouillon. 

HATTIE— (That meaning nothing to her) What? 

GRACE — Boo — soup! (Puts cups on tray) First, tho, 
we'll have melon. 

HATTIE— Yes 'm. 

GRACE — Then the soup, roast chicken and two vege- 
tables, salad and coffee. The eoffee you will serve after 
everything. (Xes to closet, gets 2 demi-tasse cups and 4 
saucers.) 

HATTIE — After everything — lafter the melon and 
after the soup — 

GRACE — (Gets two more cups from closet) — No, no, 
Hattie, yoiu will sierve the coffee^ — ^wheii the dinner is oxin- 
— in these little cups. (Showing one to Hattie.) 

HATTIE— Yes 'm. 

GRACE — Hattie, are you sure you have waited on 
table before? 

HATTIE— Yes 'm, ibut I washes best, tho. 

GRACE — You come with me amd I'll show you where 
to hang your things and what I 'want done first. (Takes 
tray and exits to kitchen, followed by Hattie.) 

(Tommy enters by street door up L carrying bag of 
oranges and peanuts. As he enters he gives a whistle as 
a signal he has arrived. He hangs hat on rack L of door. 
As he comes down stage he sees the table still unset and 



40 ^^THE FIRST YEAR^^ 

talies out his watcli, surprised arrangements are not more 
advanced. Gives another whistle. He puts fruit in silver 
dish on table and tal^es dis^h and hag of peanuts np to table 
up R., he stuffs empty hag into his pocket. -As he stands 
ivith hack to audience tlie swinging door opens with a hang 
and hits him on the hack.) 

GRACF.— (Enters with pad for table) Darling, I 
didn't know you were there. Did T hurt you? 

TOMMY— No. Do you know wbat time it is? 

GRACE — (Takes center piece from large table, puts 
it on table up R) Seven? 

TOMMY— It's after. 

GRACE— I ean''t iielp it. (Starts to put pad on 
table) M^argaret never showed up, and I had everything 
to do myself. 

TOMMY — (Empties bag of peanuts into two glass 
dishes on table up R) What is the matter with Margaret? 

GRACE— She has miserv. 

TOMMY— Wbat 's misery ? 

GRACE — I haven't lany idea, except that it is some- 
thing that is supposed to love company, so I know I haven't 
got it. (Spreads table cloth, which she gets from drawer of 
cupboard down R) 

TOMMY — What are we going to do for somebody to 
wiait on table? 

GRACE — Margaret's daughter just showed up, so 
there will be someibody — 

TOMMY You p'or dear. (Starts to embrace her, hut 
she holds him off.) 

GRACE— Please don't, darling! There is plenty to 
do yet. 

^ TOMMY— I'll help you dear! (Goes down R, gets 
basket containing knives, forks and spoons; he puts bas- 
ket on tdhlecloth that Grace is trying to spread, she moves 
it over L., then he places knives where forks .'•should he. 
Grace follows him, fixing them in their proper places.) 

GRACE-^Flease don 'it. Tommy! I'd rat'her do it 
myself. 

TOMMY— I thought you wianted some help? 

GRACE — You're getting it all wrong. 

TOMMY — All right, go aliead and ido it yourself then. 
(He tali'es chair from L. of table R., moves it up R.) 

GRAC'E — Will you please put th^at chair back rv^4iere 
it beloaigs. (Tominy puts chair hack in Its place.) 



^^THE FIRST YEAR'^ 41 

TOMMY— What's the mater wibh you tonight; aren't 
you fee'ling well ? 

GRACP] — How would you feel if you were left 
without help and had people coming for dinner you had 
never seen? 

TOMMY— Oh, I know dear, but they'll understand, 
and make allowances. 

GRACE— Will they? Don't forget one of them is a 
woman. (Xcs to closet, gets two salt and two pepper 
stiakers and puts them on table, spilling the salt. Tommy 
throws it over shoulder.) 

TOMMY— I'm sure Mrs. Barstow will. If she is any- 
thing like her huslmnd she will, and I haven't told you 
yet just why I wanted him to have dinner with us tonigiit — 

GRACE — Having dinner with us is all right, but 
wh\^ n^ot take them out some place to dinner? It would 
liave 'been much :simpler ^and no more expensive. (Xes to 
closet, gets glasses and places them on table.) 

TOMMYIknow, but I wanted Mr. Barstow to eome 
here. It's :a business reiason, and a ver\' important one. 

GRACE — (Xes to small table R, puis a roll in each 
napkin; Xes to table and puts one at each place.) — I don't 
suppose it ever oecurred to you that I might like to go 
to a restaurant — ^tbat I might like a change fro mthis 
eternal cooking and eating at home. I am honestly so 
tired of eating food I bave watched cook, I'd be willing 
to make a meal of 'boiled cabbage if I could -go out for it 
— and I bate cabbage ! (Exits R, with a hang on the door.) 

TOMMY— f 6^065 to door, calls off to he.)— I didn't 
know yo'U felt that w^ay. (Grace enters, humping Tommy 
with door, carrying water pitcher and speaking hack into 
kitchen to Hat tie.) 

GRACE— Take the potatoes off next, Hattie. (Fills 
glasses on table.) 

TOMM— ('Xfs down to Grace)— Vli tell you what 
we'll do, tben, tomorrow nigbt you go out to dinner, and 
we won't eat iboiled cabbage, either. Go any place you say, 
and have ianvthing vou want. How 's that ? 

GRACE— Well, I'll see bow I feel! (Filling last 
glass. Tommy Xes around to up L. of table and drinks 
from a' glass Grace has just filled.) Tommy, I just filled 
that! Now you hurry and get drC'Ssed. (Tommy Xes up 
L. to door, takes hag from pocket, tln'ows it in umbrella 
stand.) 



42 ^^THE FIRST YP]AR^^ 

TOMMY— Wliat do yoii mean ^hy get dressed? 

GRA'CE — ^Just what I say. You are not godng to sit 
down to dinner looking like that, are you? 

TOMMY— fXf,s io C;— But you don't mean my full 
dress clot lies? 

GRACE— .Certainly I do. 

TO:Si:SlY—(Almosf crying)— O'h, I don't bave to do 
'til at, Grace! Noboily dresses foT dinmir in Joplin ! 

GRACE— (Xcs 'to Tommij up C;— Now listen, Tom- 
my ! It's bad enougb to bave to invite people to little 
eraanped quarters like tbese, ^and we can't belp it if they 
tliink we can't afford. better, but 'at least we are not going 
to act in la way to make them think we don't KNOW bet- 
ter. So burry up! (Puts water pitch er on table up R.) 

TOMMY — (Unties necktie, unbuttons collar)— AW 
riigbt, but I never feel coimfotrtiaJble in tbean. 

GRACE — (Gets carving set from closet, places it on 
R. of table) — That's because you don't wear them enougb. 
Yo'U oug'ht to be glad you have something to wear — it's 
more than I bave! (Grace gets chair from up R. places 
■it R. of table R. CJiair down R. slie places front of table. 
Tommy exits L., leaving door open. Hattie enters from the 
l-ifehen, Xes to hacl: of table.) 

. HATTIE— I got that salad all done like you told me! 

GRACE — (Closes door of closet R, Xes np to R of 
II attic) — All right, Hattie. Now you can fix the melons 
and put them back on the ice. Cut them across. 

YiATTl¥.—(t<tarts to go, stops)— Yes' m. Which way 
is across? 

GRACE— What? 

HATTIE — Is lacross this way or that way? (Gestures 
lip and dow)i and from side to side.) 

GRACE — Just cut them in half — tbis way. 

HATTIE— Oh. Cut them in half is tlie kme as cut 
til em acro'ss, is it? 

GRACE— Just the same, Hattie. (Ilattie exits into 
1,-lfcJien. Grace starts for kitclioi.) 

TOMMY— rO^' stage)— Gmce ! Oh, Grace ! 

GRACE— What? 

TOMMY— Is this the only shirt I bave? 

GRACE — 1 am sure I don't know. (Talies chair 
from front of screen, places it hacl, of table.) 

TOMMY— (Enters with shirt in his hand)— I can't 
wear this one — I couldn't last 'time. 



THE FIRST YEAR" -^'^ 



GKACE— (Comes fo him Cj— AVliat's the matter 
with it? 

TOMMY— It's 'got three. l)uttoiiholes, and I only have 
two studs. Is tliis the only thing I 'have? 

GRACFj— (Going R. to closet)— I don't know, Tom- 
my, I don't wear your shirts. 

TOMMY — 1 know yoii don't wear my shirts, hut did 
you send them out to the Laundry? 

• GRACE— I did it' you put them in the laumli-y hi\g. 
I am not going to toueh your t'hings aftm- Mve last lecture 
you re-ad me. 

TOMMY— When did I do that? 

GRACE— rrV>mf5 C. to Tommy.) (Hattie enters.)— 
L'aFit 'weiek I looked itihnoiigh yo'ur w^arilrolre to isee if you 
had forgotten — 

TOMMY— (Hattie comes down R)—l did nothing of 
tlie kind. I only said it was strange to have anyone arrange 
things for nu\—(IIe sees Hattie, he stops, fascinated, and 
he and Hattie stand talcing one another in. To Grace)— 
Is t'hat 

GRACE— That is— .and 'glad to get, it— (Xing to Hat- 
tie)— llRtAie, did you seed the melons? 

HATTIE— Yeis'm, I iseed them. (Tommy goes up C.) 

GR'ACE— No— I mean 'did you take the seeds out? 

HATTIE— Oh, does you do that? 

ORACLE- O'f course. 

HATTIE— fiS7ar/.s i(p R to I- it ch e n )—l^u\: there s 
one of them no good! 

GRACE— No good? (Hattie stops at door.) 

TOMMY— (Xes down C to L of Grace)— Row many 
did vo'u iget. 

GRACE— Two. , 

TOMMY— I know, dearest. '])ut there are tour people. 
GRACE— Cut two melons in halves, and tiiere should 
'be enough, if they're al Iright. 

TOMMY— 1 know. But I siioidd have thought you d 
have bought another to be sure. 

GRACE— The man told me they were good. 
TOMMY— Certainly he wonld. But didn't you feel 

them? . r , -, ^• 

GRACE— I felt fifty of them, untd I 'had no sense ot 

toueh left. Hattie, is there a good one ? 
HATTIE— Yeis'm, one's all Tight. 



U_ ^^TIIE FIRST YEAR'^ 

GRACE — Then 'give the bes't half of 'the one that is 
no good to Mr. Tueker, and T won't eat >any. (Xes up R to 
table, gets the tiro disJies of peanuts and puts them on the 
tahle.) 

HATTIE— Yes'ni. (Exits.) 

TOMMY — Grace, you are not going to let her wait on 
table lookdng like that, are yon? Can't you fix her up 
someway! 

GRACE — (Xing to "iiini, almost in tears) — Tommy, 
whom do you wish me to dress first, you, or Hat tie, or my- 
sieff ? If you'll only give 'me 'li.aiM a ctlnainoe I'll se'e fo 
tilings. Buit ifirst you come wit'li a ishirt, the'u Hattie wit'h 
a melom, and me wiitih a whiole 'dinner Ion my 'hands! 

T0:\OIY— What do you want me to do "I 

GRACE — I want you to get in the room and finish 
dressing, and get out of the W'ay so I can get dressed. 

TOMMY— AH right, that's .ail you Imve to tell me. 
( Exits, eloses door after him.) (Hcittie enters, eomes be- 
hind table B.C., 

HATTIE — There's only one vegetable dish out there, 
^Misses Tucker. 

GRACE — (Goes down R, gets dish, gives it to her; 
in a veri) tireel voice) — ^Here's the ot'her one, Hattie. 

HATTIE— That's pretty, ain't it? 

GRACE — (Closes closet) — Yes, it is part of my wed- 
ding present. (Hattie starts out L. Grace goes up to 
screen.) O'h, /Ilailit'i'e, 'will yoiu itiurm out the 'gas in tli'e 
oven? I won't iiave ito gO) in thie kitchen again. Oh, H at- 
tic! (Hattie stops, Graces Xes up to L. of Hal tie.) Now 
lai'e ;you isure y\ou iiiave ieve^y'tihing in your mind in case I 
don't 'h'ave a 'chiaince tO' glo lover it wiltlh you again? 

HATTIE— Yes'm, I guess so. 

GRACE — Now, Hattie, where are you going to stand 
when you hand folks their plates? 

HATTIE — (Xes down to R, swings dish to indicate 
place. Grace goes up) — Here ! 

GRACE— I know— but which side is it. W^art ! This 
'will make it easier 'for you. You are to stand in these 
places — (They go around tahle to back of it) — 'here, here, 
here, and here. 

HATTIE— Yes'm. 

GRACE — What are you going to serve first ? 

HATTIE— Soup. 

GRACE — No, no, first 'the melon. (Moves chair out 



^"THE FIRST YP]AR/' 45 

from front of tabic R so she wonH have to irJu n she sits in 
it a moment later). 

HATTIE— That's riglit, I forge't the melon. 

ORACE— Then the soup. 

HATTIE— Yes'm. 

GRACE — Roast chicken and two vegetables. 

HATTIP]— Yes'm. 

(IRACE— Then th^e sakd, and .after— 

HATTIE — (Swings dish and cover up <dmost over her 
shoulder) — After everytthing comes 'the coffee. 

GRACE — Oh, Ha'ttie, I really 'believe yon can do it, 
if yon will just rememiber. 

HATTIE — (Down E.) — Yessem, nianny says I can 
do things risfht if I wants 'to. 

GRACE — Wedl tiheii, pleaise H'aittie, this time, 'wamt to 
a lot. 

HATTIE— Yes'm. 

GRACE — Now I'll get 'dressed land find an apron for 
you by t'he tdme I'm ready. (Hattie exits with dish Grace 
has given her. Grace pulls screen around the table, and as 
she does so there is a crash of china. Grace stands for a 
moment undecided whether to cry or not, and finally) — 
Damn it! — (Sits front of table R. Tommy enters in even- 
ing, dress; his tie is still untied.) 

TOMMY— ("Zin^ to Grace)— What's t<he matter? 

GRACE — The vegetable disfh of the set mother gave 
me — that 's all. 

TOMMY— Broken? 

GRACn^— No— smashed. 

TOMY — I 'm sorry, dear. 

GRACE — (Rises) — ^Wimt's the use of being sorry^ 
Tommy? I'm sorry, too, but it doesn't help matters. 
(Xes up L C.) 

TOMMY— rr«V.s' his tic)—\Yi^n it's always darkest 
'before dawn. 

GRACP] — So they say. But we've had 'a long arctic 
night. (Xes to door L.) 

TOMMY — I know, ibut we are going to hiave a whole 
life of sunshine now. (With a lot of smile.) 

GB.ACE— (Comes to Tommy at CJ— Wiiat do you 
mean ? 

TOMMY— Well, I don't want to tell you yet. I want 
to surprise you. 

GRACE— Good news? 



46 ^^TIIE FIRST YEAR" 

TOMMY— Huh, huh. 

GRACE— You'll surprise me 'all right. What is it? 

TOMMY— rA>.- up C;— I'll 'tell you later— rXr'.s' 
doivn to her.) 

GRACE— Now. 

TOMMY— No, no \ 

QfUAVl^— (Pushes Tommji in chair R. of fahir L.)— 
Tommy Tueker, I don't budge from this spo't until you 
tell me what it is! (Holds Tonimy down.) 

TOM^IY — Well, Graee, we're going 'to 'be rich. 

GRACE — Tommy! (Drops on his lap.) 

TOMMY — Yes we are, Grace! 

GRACE— Who died ? 

TOM^IY — Noibody. I'm going to make it mvself. 

GRACE— Oh. tell me! 

T()]\I]\IY — Do you remember my telling you about a 
piece of propeitv they call the Amusement Park? 

GRACE— Yes! ^ 

TOMMY— AVell, for the last six months I liave been 
buying 'options on all those lots around there until I have 
gotten eontro'l of the whole thing, pretty nearly, I did that 
because 1 heard on good lauthority. You .rememl)er me tel- 
ling you of a fellow named Doane, who used to be secretary 
to the president of the road ? 

GRACE^ — ^^Wait a minute — president of what ro-ad? 
■ TOMMY — Of tlie railroad — Joplin and Missouri rail- 
TiO:ad — A. J. Frisbee is president of ftilie Joplrn and Mis- 
souri Railroad. 

GRACE— All right— who is Doane? 

TOMMY — Doane was bis secretary — anil Iloane told 
me that the railroad was going to build a spur lime, and 
'that the route tbey'd take would be right over the property 
I am teiiing you aibout. 

GRACE — T don't see it yet. 

TOMMY — Well, a railrioad can't just go out and be a 
railroad, can it? They have to have lajid before they can 
lay its tracks. 

GRACE — I suppose so. 

TOMMY— And iif tlhey buy tbe land, tbey bave to buy 
from the man who owns the land, don't they? 

GRACE — I see, I see — you don't have to tell me. Oh, 
Tommy, you wonderful thiing! (Then douhtfuUy) But 
are you sure they'll buy it? 

TOMMY — (W'th a smile of great assurance) — Well, 



^^THE FIRST YEAR/' 47 

here is wliia't I didn't waii't to 'tell you — 'the man wlio is 
eoniing here tonight is the' piireliasing agent for ithe ro'ad. 

GRACE— Oh! (Rises, goes R, takes look at iahle. 
The elinuer now assumes a greater importance. Fixes a 
few eJisJies.) 

TOMMY — (Rises, Xes to her) — Yon see, we bave had 
half a dozen :t'alks, and the day hefore yesterday I gave 
him a two day option at a certain price. 

(mACE—(WHhout looking at him)—Yes'^. 

TOMMY — (After a pause, during which he has look- 
ed at her ejuestioningty, puts her in chair front of table R 
and squats in front of her) — You are not paying attention 
to what I siaid — T said, the day beifore yesterday I gave him 
a 'two day option. Don''t you see, he's go't to say something 
■to 1 light ! 

GrRACE — How mucli are you going to cliarge him, 
Tommy? 

TOMMY— How mucli do vou think? 

GRACE— I don't know. 

TOMMY— Guess ! 

GRACE— I couldn't! 

TOMMY— A hundred thousand dollars! 

GRACE — No — I mean really. Tommy ! 

TOMMY— Thiat's the price. ' 

GRACE— Oh, Tommy, they'll never pay that! 

TOMMY— (^i^i.^^'.O— Yes tliey will, Grace, they want 
it. If I only liad the nerve (to bold out I might get even 
anore for it. (Finishes tying his necktie.) 

GRACE — (Rising in ecstacy) — A hundred thousiand 
dollars — (Xes L) — Oh, Tommy, if you get it, it means, 
New York, London, Paris — and clo'thes ! (Turns to 
Tommy.) 

TOMMY— rXi/^g to her)— Y^ou bet! We're through 
with all this eeonomiziiig. You know now why I baven't 
said let's buy tbis, or let's spend (that — it was because I 
ueede'd every cienit I cioiikl /r'ake laii'd scrape itoigeither to 
l)uy ith'ose lopitiioinis. Dio yo'u know we luaven't O'ne cen't to 
our niaines ait itibe presient momemit? 

GRACE— No? 

TOMMY— Not a cent ! I l)roke the last ten dollar bill 
I had tbis morning. I even took your Libei'ty Bond, 
Grace ! 

GRACE— Tommy— you' didn't do that? 

TO]\IMY— Yes, I did, Grace. You said it was there 



48 -^THE FIRST YEAR" 

in case of need, aaid I needed it. You don't mind, do yon, 
dear ? 

GRACE — No^no't if you 'are gohig to make e lot of 
money. -; 

TOMMY — And we are — Imrrels of it! Biarstow — 
(suddenly remembering site is still in her apron) — say, 
you linrry :and 'get dressed — they'll i1)e here any moment 
now. (PusJiing her off.) 

GRACE — ^^Goodness, I forgoit all lahout them. (Starts 
for door leading to bedroom, the nturns and, embraces 
Jtim.) O'h, Tommy, I'm so proud of you! (Exits L.) 
Hat tie enters from kitchen, coat and hat on, carries hag, 
starts L. -Tommy Xes u-p in front of her.) 

Tommy — Where are vou going? 

HATTIE— Home ! 
. TOMMY— (Swings Hattie down)— Oh no, you're not 
— ^not vet, any way ! 

RATTIE— (Crying)— I couldn't help it — it jes' 
slipped out of my hand. 

T0M:\IY— That's all right— lint you're not going to 
leave us — and I know you will he more careful in the 
future. 

HATTIE — I ain't igoin' ter be careful no more — no 
time. (Goes up to door L.) 

TOMMY— (Catches her)—Ymi'Y'e not! 

HATTIE — No, sir! Everytime I'm careful I don 
drap soniethin'. 

TOMMY — Now, see here — you hang up your hat and 
coat, and here — (taking money from pocket) — here's a 
little something extra for you iif you'll stay ! 

HATTIE — Is you sure Mirs. Tucker lis goiing to say 
it's all right? 

TOMMY— Sure of it! 

HATTIE— f^aA-f 5 ynoney)— AW right, I'll stav. 

TOMMY— That's the girl\—( Ilattic Xes up R, putt- 
ing money down neck of dress. Tommy stands looking 
after her, suddenly snaps his fingers the Xes to door of 
hedrom anod calls off. Hattie stops and listens) — Grace, 
O'h, Graice ! Grace (off stage) — Yes. Tomimy — Wher'e 
aire tihe lOO'ckitail glaif^seis? 

GRACE — (Off stage) — In the isidehoard, dear! 
(Tommy goes and gets glasses. Grace appears in door- 
ivay L., in negligee, fixing her hair) — What do you want 
them for? 



^^TIIE FIRST YEAR^^ 49 

TOMMY — I'm going to make a cocktail. 

GRACE— What with ? 

TOMMY— Haven't we a.nv gin in the house? 

GRACE— We have not! 

TOMMY^Where is t^h-at Ivnttle Nate Allen gave lis 
for a wedding present? 

GRACE— Margaret drank it. (Hattie at R. of screen 
hid fie)} from ill em, fal-es pacl-age from hag and unwraps 
if.) 

TOMMY— Margaret ? 

GRACE— Yes. 

TOMMY— Why give it to her? 

GRACE— Weli, it ialvvays put her hi a hetter humor, 
so I gave it 'bo lier — ^drink by drink. 

TOMMY — You mean tw say that we haven't anything 
tio drink ait all ? 

GRACE — There is some lof that root beer I made. 

TOMMY— They wouldn't oare for that. 

GRAiCE— It's very good, Tommy. 

TOMMY— I know it, but tihat's noithing to drink 
wit'h dinner. (He stands disappointed. Grace exits into 
room L.) 

HATTIE— fA>>? to a, to Tommy)— Mr. Tucker, did 
you — ^^ail want some gin? (Showing him hottte she takes 
from net hag.) 

TOMMY— Why, Hatitie, where did you g'et th-at? 

HATTIE— I gets it for Mammie, she likes it for her 
misery. There's a eoiored gentleman she know what makes 
it. 

TOMMY— I suppose 't's all right? 

HATTIE — M'ammie says it is. She's been drinking 
gin all her life. 

TOMMY — Of eiourse, I'm willing tio pa'y you for it'his. 

HATTIE — You — all were so nice to me about 'break- 
ing t'hat dish I'd like to ihelp you out. 

TOMMY— That's all riglit. 

HATTIE — Yoii all give me a dollar an\^way, and that 
only stands me sixty -tive cents! 

TOMMY — Do yo'U know 'how to miake a cocbtiail, Hat- 
tie ? 

HATTIFJ — Yessali ! I've seen them make themi 
places I have 'worked — they just squeeze it 'half 'a orange in 
a good sized shot of gin and calls it a orange blossom. 

TOMMY — Yes, I have heard that, and I've got some 



50 ^^THE FIRST YEAR^^ 

loraiigieis (tilTere. As neit'lieir Mrs. Tucker hot I drink, you 
can miake (t:wio a. liitit'le weakeir — ']>e!tit(eir pnit innoistly orange 
in itwo lof it'heni. 

HATTIE— Yes, sir, I'll fix tlieni like the melons— 
(two ig'ioio'd ;a'nd itiwiO' a libtle wioirse. (X< s up and exits to 
kitchen.) 

(Bell rings.) 

TOMMY— There *they m^el—(Goes to eloor of heel- 
room, opening it) — Grace, 'are you almost ready? (Grace 
enters, still in negligee.) 

GRACE — Yes, 'hurry up. Tommy, get Hattie ! — 
(Tommy runs to kitchen, exits, returns immediately with 
Hattie, brings her down R. and to C. Grace exits L. and 
returns immediately with cap and apron. Grace pins the 
cap on, ivhile Tommy ties the apron) — Now, you show 
t'hem in, Habtie, 'and take their things anil say we'll he 
right in. (Hattie goes up L.) 

TOMMY— r^o Grace, as they x L.j— She looks ter- 
rible ! 

GRACE — I know, (but it's too late now. (Exits with 
Tommy. Tommy closes door, Hattie opens door up L. and 
Mr. Barston stands outside.) 

BARSTON— Mr. Tucker live here. 

HATTIE— Come right itn. 

BARSTON — (Standing hi doorway, turns to ivife in 
hall) — This is the place, Kitty! (Mrs. Bar stow otters, 
Xes C. Barstow comes into room, hangs hat on rack L. of 
door. ^Hattie helps Mrs. B. off with her coat, then hands 
it hack to her.) 

HATTIE — Here it lis. (Mrs. B. takes ivrap and puts 
it on chair L. of desk.) — You just rest yourselves, the hoss 
will be right he're. (She exits R., taking pitcher and or- 
anges with her. Barstow Xes down L., sits R. of t<ihle L. 
Mrs. B. ^starts a survey of the place; brings chair down 
from desk, peeps hehind the screen, and takes in the place 
generally. Xes C., sits.) 

BARSTOW— I told you aiot 't'O expect loo much. 
Pretty little flat tho ! 

MRS. BARSTOW— (Looks at the tahle) —hooks 
like one of Goldberg's! 

BARSTOW— Don't try to use any of that comedy 
here tonight because thev won't 'understand it. 

MRS. BARSTOW— Don't have to tell me. I know 
they won't. I've played this town. 

BARSTOW— Don't pull any then 



^^THE FIRST YEAR^' 51 

MRS. BARBTOW—( I iuUcaling a picture on ivall 
up L C;— Is that her? 

BAUSTOW— (In low voice )~J don't know— I never 
saw her! (Mrs. Barstow tal-es out a cigarette. Barstow 
rises, Xes to her and snatclies it out of her mouth, puts 
it in his pocket as Tommy enters from bedroom. Mrs. 
Barstow rises.) 

TOMMY— Good evening, Mr. Barstow. 

MRS. BARSTOW— (Aside )~0h I my God! 

BARSTON— fXc5 to Tommy)— Good evening, Mr. 
Tucker. Are we early ? 

TOMMY— Not a ibit— net a bit. 

BARSTOW— My wife, Mr. Tueker— Kittv. 

MRS. BARSTOW— How do you do? 

TOM^IY — ^Pleased to meet vou, I'm sure. (Xes to 
Mrs. B.) 

BARSTOW — I 'hope you'll pardon us for not being 
aible to dress — we go't home so late. 

TOMMY— That's all YigHl—(Xes to back of chair R 
of table, placing it for her) — Won't you sit here, Mrs, 
Barsvo w ? I think you will find it imore comfortable. 

MRS. BARSTOW— This is all right, thank you.— 
(Swings chwir to face Tommy, and sits) — We have jusit 
beein ladmiring th'ait pnetty girl. 

TOMMY— Mrs. Tucker. (All look up L of C at 
Grace's picture.) 

MRS. BARSTOW— I thought so. She's stunning. 

TOMMY— ^5ar/v of table L)—Yes, Mrs. Tucker was 
consklered one of the prettiest, if not the prettiest girl in 
our home town. 

BARSTOW— Have you been married long? 

TOMMY— About a year. 

BARSTOW— (To Mrs. B., in tone of patronage and 
meaning Tommy and Grace) — Children. 

TOMMY — (Coming down L, not getting his drift) — 
No, not yet. 

MRS. BARSTOW— Ha! ha! (Grace enters.) 

GRACE — (Xing to Mrs. B., who rises.) — I am sorry 
for keeping yo'u waiitiing. How dlo- yioai do, Mrs. Ba^rstow ? 

TOMMY— This is Mrs. Tucker, Mrs. Barstow. 

GRACE — (Turns to Mrs. Barstow) — How do 3^ou do, 
]\Irs. Barstow. 

TOMMY— And Mr. Barstow. (There is a general 
greeting all around.) 



52 ^^THE FIRST YEAR'' . 

GRACE — I kno!VV yen 'inuigit be starved, but I think 
dinner is all, ready. Will you see , Tommy? 

TOMMY— One moment T— er— 

MRS. BARSTOW— Sounds to me like liquor was 
approiaehing. 

GRACE — 0'\\, no — I'm so sorry, Mrs. Barstow. 

TOMMY— Why, would you care for a cocktail? 

MRS. BARSTOW— Would I care for iit? Outside 
of a istring of pearls, it'liere's 'noithing I'd rafchcr have! 
(Hat fie oifcrs with 4 cocJiiail^ on a tray, comes down R. 
front of t cable R.) 

GRACE — Bu't, Tommy, we haven't any gin. . 

TOMMY— rA>.^ to Hattie R. of C.) (Barstow moves 
L. front of s}nall table.) — W'hich are the mild ones, Hattie? 
(Grace sits on arm of chair R. of tahle L.) 

HATTIE — (Pointing to two glasses on tray) — Them 
two, Mr. Tucker! 

TOMMY — (Tal'es the stronger two and passes them 
to 31 r. and Mrs. Barstow, then the mild one to Grace) — 
You see, as neither my wife nor I drink, I had ours made 
a iittle weaker. (Mrs. B. sits. Hattie exits.) 

GRACE— You sly old tihing. 

TOMMY— At times, 'dear— at times.— ("A^.? up C, 
passing in front of Grace) — Yoai'll p'ardon me? — (Gets 
the other cocktails, gives one to Grace. The otJiers 

stand around as tho they were about to drink a toast.) 

MRS. ^AR^TOW— (Rising)— WqW, here's death 
and destrucition to care 'and worry. (She drinks.) My God 
— I'm poisoned! (Sits in chair down C.) 

TOMMY— Is it strong? 

MRS. BARSTOW— (Gives glass to Tommy)—Sirongl 
Boy, where did yo'U get 'that vitrei? 

GRACE — (Puts glass on table L) — It is strong, 
Tommy. 

MRS. BARSTOW— It would make a Missouri mule 
fall over in a ifaint! (Tommy fakes glasses and puts them 
on table L.) 

GRACE — I'm so sorry. 

MRS. BAnSTOW— (Looks at Barstoiv; rises)— And 
will you look at father? (Grace takes her chair up C.) 

^BARSTOW— (Smiles, finishing drink)— Vlmt's the 
best drink I have had since I left Texas. 

GRACrE.— (Coming down R. of Mrs. B.)^l hope the 
dinner will ibe better. Tommy will you take that screen 



^^THE FIRST YEAR^' 58 

away. (I'ommij tal'cs screen from tabic and puts it up C.) 
Would you like to remove your hat Mrs. Barstow? 

MRS. BARSTOW— No thauks, I look funnier with 
it on ! 

GRACE — Now, Mrs. Bars-tow, will you sit here. — 
(Indicating chair front of table) — ^and Mr. Barstow here. 
— (Indicating chair hack of tabic) — You see, we're all in 
one room here. 

:\IRS. BARSTOW— Well, I think that's fine, it's so 
much more convenient. 

TOMM — Yes, we find it quite comfortable. (Tommy 
holds chair for Mrs. B., Mr. iB. seeing this, does the same 
for Grace. They seat themselves, Grace L., Tommy R., 
Mrs. B. is down stage and Barstow up stage back of 
table.) 

GRACE — (Reaches with foot trying to find buzzer) 
— Is the buzzer on your side, dear? (Tommy reaches try- 
ing to find it tvith his feet, steps on Mrs. B's foot. She^ 
screams.) 

TOMMY— I beg your pardon ! (They all look for the 
buzzer, first Tommy, then Barstow, then Grace, and last 
Mrs. B. Then Grace finds it and rings. There is a pause] 
then the door is kicked open and Hattie enters with a tray 
with bouillon cups on it. She gets about C. between 3Irs. B. 
and Tommy, ivhen she catches Grace's eye, who shakes her 
head no; she realizes she has forgotten the melon. 'Sh^ 
stops, turns about and exits.) 

MRS. BARSTOW— Well, 'tbat course is all over.— 

GRACE — ^Please excuse her. She realizes she had 
made a mi stake. 

MRS. BARSTOW— Ah, that's all right, so long as 
sihe hasn't left for good — (Hattie otters with melon, goes 
between Tommy and Mrs. B., in front of whom she puts 
melon, starts away, realizes her mistake, picks it up and 
puis [it on tray, puts another piece of melon before her,, 
then gives Tommy the melon she took away from Mrs. B., 
then serves Mr. B. After serving melon Hattie exits. 
Tommy eats one spoonful, then takes glass of water to 
ivash taste out) (Tommy's shirt bulges where there isn't 
any button; he tries to put it down but it won't stay. He 
reaches under vest and pulls it down, then folds arms over 
it.)- Aren't you eating &ny melon, Mrs. Tucker? 

GRACE — No, I'm dieting — just stewed fruits. 

MRS, BARSTOW— Dieting? Not for your figure, 



54 ^^THE FIRST YEAR" 

surely. Gracious, if I had your waist line, I'd laugh right 
out in a diet's face. — (Looks over at Bar stow, wlto is gob- 
bling up his melon) — Take i't easy, Pete, you'll choke 
yourself. 

BAU^TOW— (Finishing melon)— A^i, that was de- 
ilic'ious! I'm very fond of melon. (Looking round to see 
if there is any more.) 

GRACE — (Rather einbarrassed) — Yes, so many peo- 
ple are. 

BARSTOW— rro change the subject when he finds 
he isn't going to get any more) — Yes, and corn! 

TOMMY — (Picking this up to cover not offering him 
more melon) — They raise a good deal of corn around this 
section, don't they? (Grace pusJies buzzer.) 

BARSTOW— I don't know. I don't know much 
a'bout t'his pant of the country. (Hattie enters with 4 
soups, puts tray on small ta^ble R., collects melon plates, 
Mrs. B's first, then Mr. B's, then Tommy's; then serves 
soup, Grace, then Mrs. B., then Mr. B., and Tommy, and 
then exits ivith fray.) 

GRACE — I thought this was your home? 

MRS. BARSTOW— No, tliank goodness, and I'm not 
leading any cheering section for the town we live in either. 
But this is where they should have had the Federal prison, 
and just let the prisoners wander aJbout loose, 

GRACE — ^Wihere is your home? 

MRS. BARSTOW— Well,, we park our furniture in 
Toledo. But Pete's business keeps us travelling most of 
the time. 

GRACE — That's what I have always wanted to do. 

TOMMY — I've told Grace she should bave married 
a conductor. (They all laugh.) 

BARSTOW— I stopped at your office today— about 
three. 

TOMMY— I was back shortly after. 

BARSTOW— I knew I'd see you tonight. 

MRS. BARSTOW— FoT goodmess sake don't start 
talking business, Pete. 

GRACE— Oh, do let them, Mrs Barstow. I think 
it woruld be interesting. 

MRS. BARSTOW— Well, it isn't. You don't know 
■what you are doiing when you igive Pete a cihance like that. 

GRACE— Just what do you do, Mr. Barstow? 

BARSTOW — I buy all the equipment and proper- 



THE FIRST YEAR" 



ities 'the railroad has to bave. (Makes a good deal of noise 
taking soup.) 

GRACE— Oh, I see. And that's what you are do- 
ing here — l)uv'iing propeiity 1 

BARSTOW— (To Graee)—YeH.—(To Mrs. B.)~ 
This s'onp is deliedioiis, isn't it, dear? 

MRS. BARSTOW— Sounds .all right to me. 

GRACE — You must have Tommy take you out some- 
time 'and is'liow you 'the land 'he owns, Mr. Barstow. It's 
re'ally veiry preltity. — (Ilaftie enters iviih water pitcher 
she has refilled, places it on ,small taible R., collects soup 
plates from Grace, Mrs. B., then Barstow and Tommy ^ and 
exits) — It would be a lovely place -for a station if there was 
a railro>ad itliere. 

BARSTOW— Ha; li^a !— well, we don't buy property 
because it's pretty, Mrs Tueker. A desert might be worth 
a million dollars, and a garden spot wouldn't be worth 
a nickel. We buy where we have to. I know your hus- 
band's property. I've ibee'U over ever}^ foot of it. 

GRACE — Is thait so? Were you thinking of buving 
it ? 

BARSTOW— No. I'm past tbinking a'liout it. I 
wasn't going 'to S'ay anything until after diamer. Tucker, 
but I might as well tell you now, I'm going to take up t'hat 
option — 

TOMMY— Ah ! Ab ! 

BARSTOW— And lait your prkt^ I— (Raises his half 
emptij glass io drink.) 

GRACE — Let me give you a little more water, ^Mr. 
Barstow. (Rises, Xes, gets pitcher from small table R, fills 
Barstow^s glass; as site passes Tommij .sJie takes his hand. 
Puts water pitcher on table up R. Door bell rings. Grace 
and Tommy exchange looks. Hattie enters with plates and 
chicken on tray, puts chicken and plates in front of Tom- 
my and exits.) 

TOMMY— Who do ylou supp'oise t'bat is ? 

GRACE — It's no one we expect — because tbere is 
TO oaie in town we know. (Tommy about to rise.) I'll 
go, Tommy! ..(Goes \to door, opens it, and Dick Loring is 
discovered' standing outside.) 

DICK— Hello, Grace! 

GRACE— Dick! Dick! (Dick enters. Grace puts her 
arms around his neck. Tommy rises, Xes up C. Grace 
greets Dick almost ckffcctionaiely. She is in a delirium of 



56 ^^THE FIRST YEAR'' 

joy over the last speech of Barstow\^, and this is a vent for 
her enthusiasm. Tommy doesn't realise tliis.) Dick, I am 
glad to isee you ! (Drops his hat on desk up L. Brings 
Dick down hy the hand.) Oh, Dk'k, (thiis is Mrs. Biairaitow, 
and Mt. Bainsitiow — Mt. Lioring — 'amd TiO'inniy ! 

DICK — (Acknowledges the introduction, then turns 
to T'OinmyJ — Ilcdlo, Toininy ! Well, well, I've never seen 
3^'ou look so funny! (Tommy goes hack to table, starts 
carving.) Don't let uie linterrupt you — sit down — do, Mr. 
Barst'ow, and go rigiht oil with your dinner. 

GRA'CE— Have you had diinner, Dick? 

DICK — Yeis, thank ylo-u. (Grace Xes to tahle R., 
sits.) I ha-d iscrnething to 'eialt 'on tihe train. I got in about 
an 'hour and a 'half ago. 

TO:\IMY— You didn't waste much time getting up 
here. 

DK^K— No, Toniiny, I didn't. 

TOMMY — Say, how did you know where we lived? 

DICK — Gnace's mother gave nu^ tlve address. I have 
been borne for a week. (Hattie enters with vegetable dish, 
places it in front of Grace and exits.) Now, pleiase don't 
let m-e disturb you. (Gets chair from R of table L, moves 
it C, sits.) I'll just sit here and chat awhile. (Tommy 
gives Grace plate to serve vegetable.) 

GRACE— You saw Motlier, Dick? 

DICK— Yes. 
• GRACE — How was she looking. 

DICK — Never better. (Tom)ny gives Grace another 
plate.) 

GRAC^E— And Father? 

DICK — Yes. Your uncle was away at some conven- 
tion of dO'CtoTS, but they tell ane he's very well. (Dick 
takes cigarette out of case and lights it.) 

GRACE— You 'lip ardon me, Mrs. Barstow, but it's 
wonderful to have news from home. 

MRS. BARSTOW— I know just how you feel. 

GRACE — You see, Dick was almost one of the 
family. 

DICK — (With plenty of meaning) — Yes, that's right, 
Grace — ^almost. (Tommy sharpens the knife, giving Grace 
a look of warning to keep off that subject.) 



^^THE FIRST YEAR^^ 57 

GRACE — I should 'hiave said you were like one of 
the family. (Eating.) What have you 'been dodng, Dick? 

DICK — Well, since I last saw you I have been on the 
jump. I was down thru Arizona for a while, then up in 
Washington State — British Columbia, and now the rail- 
'road 'has sent me down iiiere. 

GRACE — Wh:a.t a thrilling experience? 

TOMMY — You don't bold on ito your jol)s very long, 
do you? 

DICK — No, Tommy, I keep jumping ahead, tho. 
Every new job has been ^a boost. 

BARSTOW — You are in the railroad business, Mr. 
Loring ? 

DICK — Yes sir, construetioai depiartment. 

GRACE — Mr. Bars'tow is with a railroad, too. 

DICK— Really ! Wbat road? 

BARSTOW— Joplin and Missouri. 

DICK — ^^Oh, tlia)t's my noad noiw. IVe come on here 
ito be aissi'sitant tio B^eckat. 

. BARSTOW — Oil. of course. I've heard some very 
fine tilings about you, Mr. Loring. 

GRACE — I'm sure you have. We all knew Dick 
would give a good account of himself, didn't we. Tommy! 

TOMMY — Oil, yies. No'body 'would give' la better ac" 
count of HIMSELF tlian Dick.' (Passes Grace last plate 
for vegetables. Grace stops eating, looks at Tommy.) 

DICK — ^Well, of course, I will admit luck has broken 
for me. The answer to iit is I 'm liolding down a very good 
position, and I've had even better offers. 

BARSTOW — Yes, yiou come to uis wiith a repuitaitioai 
oif beiuig a preitity good, j'udge iwhere judgment is needed. 

DICK — How have you lieeai doing, Tommy? 

TOMMY— Oh, I 'n/ making out all right. 

GRACE— Making out alright! Why he's doing 
splendidly, Dick. Tomimy is going to he a very rich man ! 

DICK— Tommv rich? 

GRACE— Hm! Hm! 

DICK— Is that so? 

GRACE— Yes, Tommy's sold— (Turns to tell him.) 

TOMMY — Never mind. Sit around and eat your 
dinner. 

GRACE — Oh, do let me tell him. Tommy lias a big 
piece of property the railroad is going to buy to build a 
new road. 



58 ^^THE FIRST YEAR'' 

DICK — Fioir Itibalt new spur Hue? 

TOMMY— Yes. 

DICK— Giood hoy, Tommy! 

GRACE — Toimmy 'has been awfullv clever abou't it. 
It was a nold Amusemeint Park, and Tommy found out 
tliait— 

DICK— Amusement Park? Out by Hillsb-oro? 

TOMMY— No, not HiIlsb>oro— Knoll wood. Great 
S'CO'tt, Hillsiboro as thirty-five miles south of there. 

DICK — (Laughing sarcastically) — Ha! So yoii are 
giodng ito isell ith'e railroiad prfoipieirty in Knollwood, •a)re you ? 

TOMMY— Yes. And now \\mi you're with the road, 
I may charge them more for it. (Grace gives Tommy a 
looJi of reproach.) 

DICK — Is that what you are eounting on to make 
you rich? 

TOMMY— Oh, I have other interests. 

DICK— I'm ,glad of that. 

GRACE— Why, Dick? 

DICK — Because Knoll wood's not where tho ro:ad's to 
be built at all. 

GRACE— ^r^? Did-) — Oh!— (To Tommy) — Oh, 
Tommy. 

TOMMY— Oh, w^hat? 

GRACE — Did you hear Wihiat he said ? 

TOMMY— Certainly, I heard what 'he said. What 
does he know about it? 

DICK — (Laughs) — Well, I ought 'to know something 
— I 'm going to construct it ! 

BARSTOW — Are you sure of what you're saying, 
Loring ? 

DICK— Absolutely ! 

BARSTOW — If the route's been changed they have 
not advised me. 

DICK — I don't know anything ahout that. 

BARSTOW— Tucker, have you got <the maps? May- 
be Loring has the names mixed. 

TOMMY — I'll get them for you. (B.ises and goes up 
to desk C. Opens top and takes out map.) 

DICK — I'll draw you a map of the whole thing. — 
(Rises, Xes to Bar stow and sits in Tommy's place) — Here 
— ^let me show you — (Takes an envelope from his pocket 
and a pencil, draws on envelope) — Here is Hillsboro — the 



^^THE FIRST YEAR^^ 59 

road eonies dowji ifliis way from Jopliii, Now liere is the 
■way 'he 'fhinks it 'is tio he 'hmli. 

BARSTOW— That's right. 

TOM^IY— (Comes down to R of table J — Uow I'll 
show you — 

DICK — (Rises) — ^You 'don't hiave 'to show me. I'll 
het you a ye'ar's salary (to tihe remt of this flat that I'm 
right. 

TOMMY — I wouldu't go bettdng all my salary if I 
were you ; you may need it. 

DICK — Is that so, well I'll bet you ten dollars then. 

TOMMY — (Starts for pocli-et, realizes he is without 
funds.) — i wouldn't take your money.— /Z>icA; laughs, and 
goes up to window, Tommy sits, he and Barstow consult 
maps.) 

GRACE — Don't mind tliein, Mrs. Barstow. At home 
they were lalwavs like this. 

MRS. BARSTOW— WlMt delightful evenings you 
must hiave had. 

BARSTOW — This knocks me a twister, Loring. 
Tucker and I had practically concluded negotiations for 
his property. 

DICK — Oil, are you the right-of-way agent? 

BARSTOW— Yes. 

DICK — Well, I didn't mean to queer your sale, 
Tommy. 

TOMMY— Oil, don 'It worry. 

BARSTOW— (Dick Xes to C)—Ol course your gang 
oiigilvt ito know where t'bey are going, 'and what you say 
makes me hesitate. 

TOMMY — I don't mind you hesitating — only re- 
imemebr, your option for this property is up tonight., 

DICK — Don't be silly! Tommy, your property isn't 
worth a nickel ^s ifar as tihe railroad is concerned. 

TOMMY— Say, what is this— a frame-up ? 

BARSTOW— Wliait do you mean ? 

TOMMY— Just wliat I said. What is Loring to do- 
tell me this property is no igood so you can get it for 
nothing? 

BARSTOW— (Rising.)— TlmV^ not tbe way I work, 
Mr. Tucker. I try to i^ot lall tihin,gs ais reasonable -as I can 
fioir tlie imt'erestis I rep/resemt, 'but I don 't 'accept ftlhe hoispi- 
tality of any man m\d try to do' lnim at /the mnie time. 



60 ^^THE FIRST YEAR" 

DICK — (Goes L) — Tinait's a nice thing 'to say to a 
guest. 

GRACE — I s'bould say so! Tommy, I'm surprised. 

TOMMY— fA hit ashamed.)— I didn'>t niean to sa\ 
it. ^ reially shouldn't even thoiight it O'f a guest. 

DICK— Oih, tibat's better. (Starts to sit.) 

TOMMY— rro Diel-)—Buit vou're NOT a guest! 

DICK— No? 

TOMMY — No. A guest is somebody who's, been in- 
wted. 

GRACE— Tommy Tucker! 

BARSTOW— f To Graee)—l think under the circum- 
stances, 'the best thing for Mrs. Barstow and me to do is — 
r^'lire! (Xes to hat raek, gets hat.) 

GRACE— Please don't (Mrs. B. ri^es.) 

BARSTOW— I reallv think it's best! 

MRS. BARSTOW— ('AV.y up Lj^He wbo must be 
oibeyed. (Meaning she has no voice in the matter.) 

DICK — As I seem to be la disturbing elemeiiit, I'll get 
bark to the hotel. (Xes up to get hat, helps Mrs. B. with 
Iter ivrap.) 

TOymY—(Xes down R. to front e)f table)— Vm 
sorry, Mr. Barstow ! 

BARSTOW — Never mind Itbat — this is ibusiness. — 
(Xing to Tommy) — I'd like to bave another day on that 
optio'n. 

TOMMY— No sir, tbat op-tion is ivp 'tonigbt. 

BARSTOW — Well, I'm not ready to give yom an an- 
swer now. 

TOMMY— I can't help tbat. I know you want it, and 
tomorrow it will cos't yon more. 

BARSTOW— Ob, I guess not. (Xes up to Grace.) 

MRS. BARSTOW— Good night, dear girl. I'm 
isorry, I Ibope it will ^ciome miit lall rigbt. (Speech con- 
tinues.) Good nigbt, Mr. Tucker. 

BARSTOW— I'm 'sorry, Mrs. Tucker, but I tfhink tbis 
will make it moire leomfiortable fior all of lis, good nig(b't ! 

LORING — Wait 'a minute, Barstow, I'll go along 
with you — (Xes to Grace) — I'm sorry, Grace. 

GRACE — Tommy has been working very bard lately, 
and bis aierves — 

DICK— Ob, I don't mind Tommy. I'll eall some- 
itime when ibe's feeling better — (Turns to go, then turns 
to Tommy) — ^^Good night, Tommy ! All right, B^arstow^ ! 



^^THE FIRST YEAR'^ _61 

(Exits iritJi Mr. and Mrs. Barstoir. Grace stands at door 
for a second, then comes down L, sits L of table L, starts 
to cry.) 

TOM^iY— (Xing to her.) — Please don't cry, Grace. 
Wliait aire yiou crying for? 

GRACE — Didn't you say tha't we hadn'it a cewt in 
•the world ? 

TOMMY — Then you (don't t'hink this deal is going 
thru? 

GRACE — You are jus't oibs'tinate. Diek says you're 
wrong ! 

TOMMY — You mean to S'ay you'd believe hiin in- 
stead 'of your 'husiband? 

GRACE — Yes — (Tommij goes R, then up, then down 
to her) — ^when 'he's talking fa bout his own business. 

TO.:\IMY— I don't think t'hait he knows so much about 
his own business. 

GRACE — ^^Oh yes he does, otherwise ihe wouldn't be 
in tlie position be is in. 

TOMMY— fA>5 B)—l don't think Ihe's got sueh a 
good position, eit'her.. 

GRACE — Oh yes he has — Mr. Barstow said so, too. 
It just means we have lost all our little money — (Tommg 
Xes up L j— ^and my Liberty Bond ! — (Tommy stops short) 
— You've gome mid lost my Liberty Boaid ! — (Tommy goes 
down C) — You had no right to do tihat — 3'ou know you 
badn't. 

TOMY— You said it would be all right. 

GRACE — I said it would be all right l)ecause you 
said you were going to miake a lot of money. (Cries.) 

TOMMY — Don't you worry about our not having a 
lot of money. (Xes upC. and then down L.) 

GRACE — But I do. I guess we'll alw'ays be just 
notliing. Tommy — ^always live in flats — I'll do my own 
cooking, iaind make my own dresses, and you'll always 
wear clotbes that 'don't, fit 'and shirts that Indge in front! 

TOMMY— Oh no, I won't. 

GRACE — Yes you will. And we'll liave to put on 
a brave 'front to our friends and say "we re doing very 
nicely," jnst ^as we had to say it to Dick tonight. 

TOMMY — How do you know he was telling the truth ? 

GRACE — Oh, you just sort o/f know it when a man 
is really successful. Dick always called you a good insur- 
ance 'agent, l)ut he doesn't think you ou^ht to go in for 
real estate deals. 



62 ^^THE FIRST YEAR'' 

TOMMY— fA>6- to C\ bursting with resentment)— 
Is t'hat so? Well, I am just 'a Id'btle l)d't itired of 'hearing 
wliat Mr. Loring lias 'to say, and for 'two pins I'd go over 
to 'his hotel 'and tell 'him what I think of him ! (Xes R.) 

GRACE— Well, you won't. 

TOMMY— (Goes up Cj— No? 

GRACE— r/»'/.sT.s^; — No ! You 've behaved badly 
enough for O'ne night. 

TOMMY— (Comes down r'j— Well, I don't think 
yoai've behaved so very well for a respee'table miarried 
woman. 

GUACE— (Comes to him)— Y^hat did I do? 

TOMMY— What did you do? I t'hought you were 
going to kiss 'him when he oame in. 

GRACJE — I don't see 'what harm there 'd have been 
if I had. 

TOMMY— I'll tell you what harm there 'd have been 
— that other vegetiaible disli would 'have been busted. 

GRACE — (Goes up L and sobs in curtain)) — Ah! 

TOMMY — You'd think if ihe wias such a great friend 
of ours, that ihe would have kept quiet when he knew I bad 
la business deal on — ^buit 'he can't dlo 'tih'ait! No! He has 
to tell all be thinks be knows! I wish now I'd punched 
him ! 

GRACE — (Comes down L.) — Well, you'd ibetter not 
— ^you'd get the 'worstt -of it. 

TOMMY— (Goes and sits R of table L^— You doai't 
thiuk I 'm any goo'd at all, do you Grace ? Do you Grace ? 

GRACE — (Goes baek of him,, then front to L) — 
You're t'ired. To many. Wihat you need is sleep. You'd 
better come to bed. 

TOMMY— I'm all right. 

GRACE— Come looi! (Goes to door L.) 

TOMMY— No. I'm not going to bed! 

GRACE — Wlmt are you going to do ? 

TOMMY— I dou't know. I may go 'Out. (Pause) 

GRACE— Out where? 

TOMMY— What dofference does it make to you? 
Maybe it iwould be better if I went out and never come 
back ! At least you would 'have my insurance ! 

GRACE — Tommy! — (Puts chair up bacJ{ of her) — 
Doin't you talk that 'way — I won't h'ave it. 

TOMMY— Well, that's better than living with a man 



'THE FIRST YP]AR" 



who ean't sup port ymil Tha^t's 'one way a fellow can 
make money for his wife — even a boob ! 

'GRACE— Stop it, I say ! 

TO^SniY— (Realizing that he is on a topic that hurts) 
— Mayilie you'd rather have me wait until I take out an- 
oifchier policy — enoingh to 'take you ito Londoin or Pairds — 
(Grace rushes off L., Tommy rises, goes to door L., spealis 
off) — ^You know some diay I 'II surprise you 'witli the mouey 
Til 'liave. (Xes to table, drinks cocktail^ returns to door.) 
I'll Sihow ^you I oan 'be jusit ia<s succesisful lais Dick Loiriiig! 
(Goes to C, front of table then hack to door.) I'll belt! 
he '11 be around some diay -tirying ito 'bor'row money firoini me 
— and I'd like to see ihim g'et i't — *tiliiait's all ! (Goes C, hack 
to table, then hack to door.) Th'at 's wh'at always makes a 
hit vvitili you wiomen, all 'a fellow 's goit ito do is to put ou 
a suit otf elctihes itlnat's piressed amd talk big, and lie can 
make you think be is presiilent of the roiad. (Grace slams 
the door on Jiim. He goes 0., thinking, then goes to table 
R., sits, looks at map.) I know darn 'well :w'liat railroad is 
cominig m'y way ! (Tears up Dick's envelope and examines 
map in disgust. Grace enters with hag and umbrella, her 
hat and coat on. Tommy looks at Jier in astonishment. 
Grace puts bag and umbrella on chair, starts putting on 
her gloves.) Where are you going? 

GRACE — I'm go'ing home! 

TOyLMY— (Xing to hcr.)—Ymi — wliy — don't be 
silly ! 

GRACE — I'm not silly! I eaai't stand it, Tommy. 
If I stay here any longer my nerves will just go like that — 
(Snaps finger) — that's all. I'm going 'to gel that nine 
twenty train and go 'home. 

TOMMY — You take tliose th'ings off, because you are 
not going to do any such thing. 

GRACE— I'm 'not, eli? 

TOMMY — No, you're not — You're not going to leave 
tliis house. 

GRACE— What did you say? 

TOMMY— I said you'll no't leave th'is— flat. 

GRACE — Who's going to prevent me? 

TOMMY— I am ! 

GRACE— Oh, no you're not. 

TOMMY— I'm not, eh? Well, you try and see !— 
(Grace picks up bag g^nd umbrella, starts for door. Tommy 



64 ^^THE FIRST YEAR" 

gets in front of her.) Now, Grace! don't be silly! 

GRACE — Ge't 'OU't 'of my way, please! (Tommy still 
blocks her way. She pushes him and again tries to make 
the eloor. He gets her by the wrist and holds her, and they 
struggle.) Don't! Don't you hold me tbat way, Tommy 
Tucker! You're Inirting me! 

T0M:SIY— (Releases her)^l didn't niean to ihurt 
you, but you shouldn't have tried to go out of that door 
when I told you not to ! 

GRACE — You are not to give orders to me! 

TOMMY— It's that fellow Loring that's gotten you 
upset, and I'm not going to give him the chance to break 
up our home ! 

GRACE — Dick Loring has noithing to do with it at all, 
and don't you even dare isuggest it! I have tried to be 
every thing a wife should 'be to you, but you're just im- 
possible, that's all, and I want to go home to my moth(}r ! 
(Xes down, sits in chair L.) 

TOMMY— The trouble with you is that you're train 
crazy. There isn't one good reason in the world for your 
acting like ithis, except that you want to go some place. 
(Xes n.) 

GRACE — That's just about as sensible as Miost 
things you say. 

TOMMY — Well, it's so, you wouldn't marry me un- 
less we left town. The moment 1 tell yo'u I'm going to 
make a little bit of money, your first thought is getting on 
hioaird a boait oir a itnain, land travelling isoime plac'e. You 
can't stay still for five minutes. 

GRA€E — (Drops bag and umbrella) — I can't stay 
still? I've stayed still in this stuffy little flat, in this dirty 
little city, with no one to talk to and nothing to do but 
cook and sew for you, for 'eleven months ! 

TOMMY — Well, I never wanted to come to Joplin ! 

GRACE — Yes you did ! You said you could do busi- 
ness here. Well, you have done it — and a fine business you 
have done ! A master stroke ! 

TOMMY — If you'd keep quiet for one minute, I'd 
like to have one last word with you. Of course I don't 
expect to get it — (Grace picks up bag and umbrella^ rises, 
goes to door) — You understand this — if you go out of that 
door — yon and I are thru! 

GRACE — Of '^ourse .we are! 

TOMMY— I mean it. 



^"THE FIRST YEAR^^ 65 

GRACE — I 'hope yoii do — so do I — (Opens door) — 
Good-bye ! 

TOMMY— Good-ibye l—(Gr-ace exits. Tormnij stands 
for a moment listening) — My God, she did it — (He sees 
cocktail on table, and drinks it at a gulp. Takes off coat, 
throws it on chair L. of desk.) All ri^ht, lets see how fai* 
she'll go vvit'h it ! I'll bet I cart 'be just as obstinate as she 
is. (He is now sliowing a little effect and begins talking 
to an irwaginary Grace.) If you 'had said to me^ — Toimmy. 
you are wromg — Tommy, you lare aill wromg, very likely I 'd 
have staid, I know it, Graoe, I know iit ! But not when you 
speak .tio nie ithe iway you did. Lelt me lask yoTi siomeifhing 
— havien'it I ibeen a igoiod husband? I've tried to be 
tlboiughitiful and oonisideinaite, I 'baven'it 'even I'Oioked at 'an- 
their w^'omian! I co'ul'dn'it have ithriown my 'arms aroiund a 
man who wasn '>t my husband, if I 'd been a wife, tbe way 
yo'U did ! I wio'uldn \ do 'tihiat ! Buit YOU did, yon did, 
and ith'ait's what hiuritis — lilt IhuDfcs ime here. Yo'U doai't know 
how it huirtis me, Giraee! (He takes cocktail and drinks a 
little of it. Goes down L. Hattie enters from kitchen.) 

HATTIE — I've been waiting for the longest time 
for the ibell to ring ! 

TOMMY— The bell's rung, ^aind they've counted ten 
— ^and everybody's O'Uit! (Starts to drink cocktail.) 

HATTIE— Lordy, Mr. Tucker, don't drink that cock- 
tail ! 

TOMMY— Why not? 

HATTIE— That's warm standin' all this time. Let 
me stir you up another one. (Starts E.) 

TOMMY— All right, Hattie, stir me up another. 
(Hattie exits into kitchen. Calls after her) — Hattde, Hat- 
tiie! Stir me up 'a lot of Itihelm. (Goes up C. to phono- 
graph, puts on a record^ and winds it.) Yooi istir up the 
co'cbbatils, Hajbtie, au'd we'll pult on a recjord 'and show them 
that we doin't ciaire — (Door 'bell rings. Tommy gives one 
triumphant look.) Noiw, Tommy, j'ust 'rememI>eT — she's 
only a woimain — ^and forgive 'her. (Goes to door, throws it 
open, and \Barstow stands outside.) O'h! 

BARSTOW— What's the matter— has Mrs. Tucker 
retired ? 

TOMMY — Yes, Mrs. Tucker 'is reibia:^ed! (Xes to back 
of chair L. of table R.) 

BARSTOW— Would I disturb her? I really would 
like to see you. 



66 ^^THE FIRST YEAR^' 

TOMMY — Alright. Gome in ! (Barstow comes down 
C, sits R. of tabic L. Hattie enters witli pitcher, stirring 
contents with a spoon.) Hatitie, get a glass for Mr.Biar- 
sbovv. (Hattie gives pitcher to him, gets glass from 
closet down R, puts it on table and exits R.) I'm just, 
hiaving la, liititil-e dnimk ! (Xes to had- ejf table L.) 

BARSTOW— So I notice ! 

TOMMY— What's your little trouhle? 

BARSTOW— It's ahoirt th^at •traiis:!ae'tion of ours. 
Now, I want to put my oairds on tlie table with you, Mr. 
Tueker — he fair and alcove hoard. 

TOMMY— Cerually. 

BARSTOW — A week ago T wias commissioned -to gei 
th'at piece of land yo'U own. I have been dickering iwith 
wi'th yo'u all the time because I .want'ed to get it as cheap 
ais possible. 

TOMMY— .Nadierly,—rD/-nJ.-.s.; 

BARSTON — When Loring made the statement he did 
tonight, I had a feeling he was wrong, and yet it seemed 
to me, as he wias in the construction end of the game, he 
ought to know what he was talking aliout. 

TOMMY — (Stops drinking, and, silencing Barstow 
with a gesture) — Listen, IPet'e, I've known itihat fdlow 
longer than you have, and he's never known wbat he's 
talking about. 

BARSTOW— Well, he didn't tonight ! I thought pos- 
sihly the plans had been switched, and th'at somehow they 
had muffed advising ime. But I got Frishee, the president, 
on the pluone itlh'e momemt I Mt here, aud whait he s'ai'd 
about your friend Loring — 

TOMMY— He's no friend of mine! Whateesay? 

BARSTOW — Said what Ihe hell would Loring Imow 
ahout 'his plans! That when he was trying to build rail- 
rO'ads he wasn't in the hiabit of telling Qvery underling 
whia-t he intemded doing ! 

TOMMY— Did he call him an underling? 

BARSTOW— That's the mildest Ihin^ he called him! 

TOMMY — (Pours out drink, chiicMing to himself, 
goes down L., sits.) Underling! I gortter remember that 
— iit 's la good 'un — 

BARSTOW — ^So th;at arrangement O'f ours is all right. 

TOMMY— Is ithat so? Who told you all that? 

BARSTOW— Well, isn 't it ? You agred to sell ! 

TOMMY — And ^'ou aofreed to buv, but vou renigged ! 



^^THE FIRST YP]AR'^ ^ 

BARSTOW— Oh no, I didn't! T went ont to tele- 
plione and see if yen weren't right. 

TOMMY — No't if I weren't — if Loring was. 

BARSTOW— Well, put it thiat way. 

TOMMY — Yes, if 'he had heen, you'd 'have said, the 
deal's lall off, and as long 'as 'he wasn't, I say 'the deal's 
all off! 

BARSTOW — You gave me your word you'd sell at a 
price, and I think you oug'ht to sttand on your word. Now, 
here is a eertdified check — (Ri^es, goes above table, takes 
check out of pocket hook, whicli he gets from inside pocket) 
— I ibrought with nie itoni^ht 'for twenty-five t'housand dol- 
lars. (Hands check to Tommy.) T^hat ought to be proof 
enough of my i'nte'ntio'ns When I came here — 

TOM]\IY — When you came liere — ^yes. 

BARSTOW— Well, I'll give yo'U the oither seventy- 
five thousand when t'he deeds a-re made over. 

TOMMY— T'hat's only a hundred vhousmid. 

BARSTOW— Well, that was your price. 

TOMMY — That was my price, but when you left so 
suddenly, the price jumped fifty thousand dollars. (Puts 
check on Barstow^s hat, that is on table, takes a drink.) 

BARSTOW— I won't pay it. 

TOMMY— You won't eh? 

BARSTOW— No ! (Picks up check, puts on hat, puts 
check in inside pocket.) That's the best vou'll do? 

TOMMY— (Rises)— Wha.i time is it ? 

BAnSTOW—(Takes out watch.)— Hot quite nine 
'clock ! 

TOMMY— (Looks at watch )—Tha^t 's right. It 's 
nearer tomorrow than when I matde you the proposition, 
so I'll compromise with you — ^it's a 'hundred and twenty- 
five tliO'Usand. 

BARSTOW— But I say— 

TOMMY— Want it? Because if you don't, I'll take 
it out and sell it to someone who will sting yo'U good. - 

BARSTOW— All rigiit, a hundred and twenty-five 
thousand. 

TOMMY— All right ! 

BARSTOW— All right. 

TOMMY— (Goes front of table L. and up C. to desk, 
Barstow takes out check, puts it on table.) And m we 
won 'it have any imoire complications, I'll lell yo'u 'wh'ajt to do 
— you put yoiur proposi'tioii on paper, land to-mm^row — 



68 ^ THE FIRST YEAR^^ 

(Coming hack to Barstow, with pen and paper)— y^hen I 
feel betlter, 'and someitlhinig itells me I wowM, I'll write you 
an lacioeptanoe. 

BARSTOW— Well, that's not exactly 'the way— 

TOMMY— Yon want it? 

BARSTOW— fAS«7a'/i^ and writing)— You're a tong'h 
ens'tomer to do ])usiness with. 

TOMMY — I'm a smart ilinsiness man. The troul)le 
witli me iis I don 'it drimk lenongh. (Ttkes another drink.) 
Yoai /tihink I'lm smart? 

BARSTOW— I think you lare ! 

TOMMY — You bet your life I am! I'm going 'to he 
rich ! I'm going to liave a great ibig lio'use with lots of ser- 
vants, and a railro^ad track running all round it and an 
engine and pullman car, so my wife can go out -and travel 
any time she wants to. All my >clofthes are going to fit me 
— ^the O'nly thing I'll wear tliat wion't 'be made to order will 
be an umbrella. 

BAnSTOW—( Extends a note)— There- look that 
over. 

TOMMY — (Examines note critically) — Seems per- 
fectly >all right. 

BARSTOW — (Pointing) — And ithere's yoiur cli'eck. 
(Xes up to door.) — I '11 see you in t!he >mjO(rtninig. 

TOMMY— Not too early! (Picks up check.) 

BARSTOW— Good night ! 

TOMMY — Siay, tell the president to take tlie extra 
twenty-five thousand dollars oiut of the underling's salary. 

BARSTOW— I'll ibet 'he'll feel like taking it out of 
his 'hide — I do ! (Exits up L., closing door.) 

TOMMY — Twenity-ifive thouisiamd! Loring 'wdll have 
tio work fourteen years 'for that. (Chuckles.) Oir*ace 
thinks I 'm not as ismart 'as lie is, ibuit 'wiben I t^ell 'her labout 
tlhis — (Realizes and stops) — Now, you i^ee, that 'goes and 
spoils everyit^biing — (Rememhers phonograph, goes up and 
starts it, Tosti's "Good Bye." Hattie enters from kitchen, 
comes to where Tommy is standing.) 

HATTIE — I'm going ihome now. 

TOMMY— All right. (Comes down C and pushes 
arm chair into place.) 

HATTIE— f Comes down Cj- Does you all want to 
pay me now ? 

TOMMY— How much is it? 
HATTIE— Dollar and a half! 



^^THE FIRST YEAR^^ 69 

TOMMY— (Offering her 7noney)— There's a five! 

HATTIE— I ain't get no diange for t^hat. 

TOMMY — I doin't waait any change^ — tha't's if or you 
— I'm a rich man, Ha'ttie. 

UATTlE— (Takes money, Xes hack of him up C.)— 
Yon do'ii'it a-ct Like one. 'Still, I t'hanfcs yon kindly. You 
ibetter not let Mrs. Tucker know t'hat, tlio'. 

TOMMY— Mrs. Tucker iwouldn't oare, Hattie— M-rs. 
Tucker has left me ! 

HATTIE— W:hat are you saying to me? 

TOMMY— It's true (Hattie is C.) See tihat? Tfhat's 
a check for 't'W'en>tv-five tihousamd dollars. 

HATTIE— What? 

TOMMY— Twenty-'five 'thousand dollars— certified. 

PIATTIE— Um— m-m-im-m-m ! 

TOMMY— And I'd give that to Mrs. Tucker to do 
wba)t s'h'e pleased with it if she were here — ^but she's gone 
— she left m!e. 

HATTIE— That's too had, Mr. Tucker. (Starts for 
door.) 

TOMMY— Wait a mimute, Hattie. (Hattie stops.) 
When we were married, everybody said t^he first year of 
married liife was the toughest time two people could go 
t;hirough, and I diid:n')t think 'thiey knew whait t-hey we're 
talking about, but they were riglht, Hattie — i't is — it is. 

HATTIE— Yes, Mr. Tucker. (Starts for door again.) 

TOMMY— Wait a minute Hattie. (Hattie stops.) 
Are you mairried ? 

HATTIE— Not yet. 

TOMMY— Are you gonner be? 

HATTIE— I got an offer! 

TOMMY— Well t'hen, yon take a tip from an old 
married man, Hattie^ — don't you get married until the 
second year. 

HATTIE— Yes, Mr. Tucker. (Exits.) 

TOMMY— (Gets Grace's picture from, desk, goes 
down, sits in chair down C, mumhling) — ^Silly girl! Silly 
girl! (He holds check before the photo to show Grace what 
she has lost. As he sits, the phonograph gets to the words, 
''Good-hye forever.'^ Tommy looks up stage at it, kisses 
Grace's picture and puts it up to his face as the curtain 
falls.) 

CURTAIN. 



70 ^'THE FIRST YEAR" 

ACT III. 

SCENE — Same as Act. I. Five days later than Act 
II. 

It is 10.30 Sunday moyning. Sunlight streams in 
from porch window R. 

Grace discovered in arm chair L of tahle R, writing 
a letter. 

As curtain rises she iswriting furiously. She sohs at 
something she has written, tool's ahout table for her hand- 
chief^ pnds it on the floor at her feet, wipes her eyes, 
calms herself and begins writing again. Finishes letter, 
collects six sheets from tahle and arranges them in order, 
begins reading what she has written. 

She reads first sentence, tJtinl-s, gets pen, scratches 
so))utJii)i(/ out, reads agai)i. The next sentence seems 
even worst. ..She suddenly springs up and iears letter 
up, goes up stage and throws pieces in fireplace, comes 
back to table, gets another sheet, picks up pen, dips it 
in' ink, then pauses, thinking hoiv to make another be- 
ginning, then throws down pen, sinks her head in her 
arm on the table and sobs. 

Church bell rings. 

After a moment she hears someone coming, rises quick- 
ly, grabs book from table R., goes front of table to couch 
R.C., sits, pretends to read. 

Mrs. Livingston enters from up stairs. SJie is dressed 
for cJiurch, and carries hat, gloves and cloak. She puts 
them on chair L of C, sees table is untidy with Grace\s 
writing things, goes down to straighten it up. See Grace, 
stops and loks at her. 

The church bell rings every fifteen seconds until after 
Grace's exit. 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— I tbougiit you were upstairs, 
getting ready. 

GRACE — I'm not goimg to ehureli, iniollier. 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— r.Sf^rrpr«".s«/;— Why not? 

GRACE— Oh, I don't feel like it. 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— You ought to eonie, Grace— 
v^^bat'll folks 'think? (Looks at Grace, takes up writing 
pad, goes up to desk R.of door C, puts it away.) 

GRAC-E— I can''t help 'wliat t'hey think— land I've— 
I 've got a letter to write. 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— To Tonimv. 

GRACE— Yes. 



^^THE FIRST YEAR'^ 71 

.AIRS. LIVINGSTON— Well, I don't like your staying 
away Froiu e'huirch on yo^ur first Smiclay 'home. (She 
pauses, looks at Grace, ivJio ill pre fouling to read, then 
goes up r and eat Is up stairs) Fred — Fred! 

LTVINGSTON— r(>#' stage)— mi'^. Wiiat do you 
want? 

MRS. LTVINGSTON— The first l)ell, dear. 

LIVINGSTON— rO/r stage)— What ? 

.AIRS. LH^INGSTON- The ehurdi I>ell. 

LIVINGSTON— All rigbt. We've got half an hour 
yet. 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— fCVv/Hr.y baek into room and 
again regards Grace, coming down R of C'J — You don't 
expect Toniniv fodav, then? 

GRACE— I don't know. 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— r.S'i/.v /. of tabte R)—You 
wouldn't S'tay home from c4uireh to wrife to him if you 
thought lie wias cc/ming todav, would vou! 

GRACE— Yes— df I wasn't sure! 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— But you said you were sure 
he'd be here before this. 

GRACE — (Rises, Xes to window R, stands looking 
out) — Yes, I thoug'ht so. I expeeted him to — to — ^^to follow 
me. 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— That was five days ago. If I 
Ave re you I would be worried to death. 

GRAiCE — (Trying to restrain her irritation, Xes up 
and tooks out French windows) — It's proh'ably the busi- 
ness al)out all that land he Iwught — that's keeping him! 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— You don't think he's lost 
money oai that land, do you, Graee? 

(mAQY.— (Breaking out)^l don't know, Mother. 
(Throws book on sofa R., Xes L.) You can 'ask him when 
he comes. 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— r^/.yo angry)— I mean to. I 
cam't seem to get lany thing out of you. 

GRA'CE — (X(s to R of C to Mrs. Livingston^ fighting 
down her feelings and speaking (juietly) — AVhat is it 3'ou 
want to knio w 1 

MRS. hlYlNGSTON— (Still angry)— Vd like to 
know why you re-ached home at three o'clock in the morn- 
ing, and w'hy you've kept in the house the whole week, and 
why you're so dumb about all that's happened since you've 
lived in Joplin. 



72 ^^THE FIRST YEAR" 

GRACE — Haven't I told you — and told yiou — and 
told you — (ivith growing emphasis) — ^that I missed my coii- 
nectiO'U lat St. Louis! I didn't let you know I was coming 
'because I tlnought it 'wo'uld he fun to surprise you, and 
I've stayed in tlie bouse because I'm not feeling well. And 
I tbink it's just borrid of you to keep on asking me ques- 
tions all 'tbe time, -and if I'm not welcoime in my own par- 
entis' boime — I cam leave ! (S'he runs crying out of the room 
upstairs C. Stop chimes. Mrs. Livingston looks after her 
in great perplexity, goes to up C, looks after her, starts 
down C and L. Livingston enters, dressed for church, 
comes down to his chair hy table and looks around for 
papers.) 

LIVINGSTON— Ain't tbe Sunday papers come yet? 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— I baven't seen tbem. Are you 
ready ? 

LIVINGSTON— For wbat? 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— I say, are you ready for 
churcb ? 

LIVINGSTON— Dom't you see I lam? (Shows her 
handkerchief in coat pocket.) I 'wonder wby tbey baven't 
leift tbe papers. I'm going to call tbem up. (Goes up L 
of C, gets phone hook, brings it down to stool front of table 
R, and sits.) Wibat's tbe fellow's name tb'at keeps tbe news 
stand ? 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— rWAo has her mind on Grace) 
—Fred 

hlVmaSTON— (Turns pages of phone book)— Fred 
— F — F — F — Fr — ^^that 'ain't bis name^it's Henry — 
Henry Wasbburn — W — W — W — 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— Fred ! (Livingston is looking 
ihru book.) I'm terribly worried about Grace — and I need 
your 'belp ! 

LIVINGSTON— Ab ! Wasbburn— Main tbree, two, 
tbree, ring tbree. (Xes up to phone, rings bell, takes off 
receiver.) 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— rXe5 up to R of him)— Grace 
didn't tell us tbe trutb wben sbe caime bome, Fred — I'm 
sure she didn 't ! 

LIVINGSTON— f/7«fo phone)— Hellol I want tbree, 
three — two — tlhree ring — what the hell did I say that num- 
ber was? (Comes down, gets book and sits front of table.) 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— rZes to L of him, puts book 
down with her hand) — No-w you sit still and listen to me! 



^^THE FIRST YEAR^^ 73 

LI VINGSTON— WlM:t have I done now ? 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— NoMiimg, dear— 

LIVINGSTON— Oh! 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— But I need your help— I'm 
worried, — (Livingston starts looking thru hook again) — 
about Tommy and Grace. (She takes hook away and places 
it on tahle hack of him.) I say I'm worried -aibout — 

LIVINGSTON— I heard you. When that Italian 
delivered 'tihe papers we used to get ifliem right a^fter break- 
f.ast. 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— ('.SfiY.s L of^ taUe 7?;— They've 
loisit all 't'heir mo'nev, Fred, I'm sure of iit. 

LIVINGSTON— Who? 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— Tommy and Grace ! 

LIVINGSTON— What! What makels you think 
t'hey're broke? 

^ MRS. LIVINGSTON— Because Grace 'hasn't one new 
thing to 'her back. 

LIVINGSTON— Well, why should sh'e? Wlien she 
get married you liad nie buy 'her eno'Ugh clothes to last 
a lifetiime. 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— Grace would never come home 
without 'Wearing something n'ew if she h'ail any inonev. 

LIVINGSTON— Well, wliat did yoii expect? What 
chance woiild Toimmy liave in a 'sbrange place? I knew 
just what w^O'uld happen. 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— Well, it's our duty to help 
them, dear. 

LIVINGSTON — Do von mean, give them moaiev? 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— Wiiat we must do, Fred,^ is to 
get them back here. 

LIVINGSTON— What to live on me? 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— Yen, :at first, then you can buy 
Tommy's old business. 

LIVINGSTON — Whait! He -did well -ait it before 
Grace mairied him, laaid he coiild again. 

LIVINGSTON— That's "so— maybe he might. Any- 
way, he'd make a fourth at bridge without sending out for 
the neighibors. 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— Yes, and you like to play 
bridge 'with Tommy. 

LIVINGSTON— All riglit. 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— Now, I want you to talk to 
Grace. 



74 ^^THE FIRST YEAR'' 

LIVINGSTON— Good Lord, can't you talk to her? 
You know her 'better than I do. 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— But everything I say seems 
to irritate her. 

LIVINGSTON— Does it? Oh, all right. (Rises, Xes 
up to hack of table R, gets cigar, liglits it.) 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— r/?i.9f.S Xes up to C arch, calls 
up stairs) — Grace ! Grace ! 

GRACE— rO# stage, up sairs)—Yes, Mother? ' 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— Grace, your father wants to 
talk to you. (Comes down C.) Now, ymi must he caT-eful 
of Grace's feelings, Fred. 

LIVINGSTON— I know what to sav. 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— You let her kno'W we want to 
be a help, and — 

LIVINGSTON— Are vou going to do this or am I? 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— I'll l^e in ithe kitchen if you 
want me. (Starts L.) 

LIVINGSTON— What do I want YOU for? 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— All right, dear. (Exits L. 
Livingston Xes clown R, sits in ckair L of table R, takes 
phone hook and reads it. Grace enters C. and stands in- 
side doorway watching hiyn. He does not notice her.) 

GRACE — (Watching him for some time) — Well, 
Father? 

LIVINGSTON— What is it? 

GRACE— Here I am. 

LIVINGSTON— What o^f it. 

GRACE — (Xes down C) — ^I thought you wanted to 
see me? 

LIVINGSTON— Well, I do. (Smokes thoughtfully.) 

ORACE — (After giving him a chance to continue) 
What did you want to see ime about ? 

LIVINGSTON— Wheat's the trouble wrth you and 
Tommy ? 

GRACE— Trouble? What makes you think there is 
any trouble ? 

LIVINGSTON— Oh, you don't fool me. Tommy's 
broke, isn't he? 

GRACE— Where did yon hear that? 

LIVINGSTON— He-ar what? 

GRACE — Thiat Tommy had lost his money. 

LIVINGSTON— I didn't have to be told. It's 
all your fault for makiing him go away. If you had had a 



^^THE FIRST YEAR^^ 75 

grain of sense yon niig'ht have kno.vvn the elvanees were all 
against Tommy making a S'uccess in a plaee where he 
didn't know^ any body. 

GRACE — (Turns away to the L) — T snppose I s'hould. 

LI VINGSTON— Of course you s'hould. If you hadn 't 
been so darned anxioais to leave town, Tommy would have 
lieen all righ't. 

GRACE— I dare say he would ! 

LIVINGSTON— I know he would. Now, Til tell you 
what I'll do. You send for Tommy to eome home, aind I'll 
buy back Ihiis old biusdnevss for him ! 

GRACE— I can't do that, F.ather. 

LIVINGSTON— Do wbat? 

GRACE — Ask Tommy to come back. 

LIVINGSTON— ^2^^565, Xes to Grace)— Now, look 
here, I didn't see you married with any ideia of your leav- 
ing your iiusiband and coming back for me to support. 

GRACE — Stop, fatlier, doiit you say anottoeir word — 
(Dr. Anderson enters C. He lias an overcoat on, hangs 
hat in hall, and carries a good sized travelling hag, and has 
a roll of pampers under his arm; he drops the hag, and 
drops papers on chair L. of tahle E.) — I'll never ask 
you to support ane — and I won't stay in this 'liouse another 
day — ^do yiou understand? Not lan other day! 

DR. ANDERSON— fXe5 to Grace)— iieve, here, here, 
— wiiat's all this? 

GRACE— Oh ! Oh, Uncle Myron. 

DR. ANDERSON— Why, Gracie, what on eanth is the 
matter? (Grace throws her arms around his neck and 
hursts into violent sohhing. The Dr. holds her, patting her 
gently on the shoulder, and trying to soothe her.) 

LIVINGSTON— CWif/t a good deal of concern, which 
he tries to conceal) — Get iier to stop that, will you, Myron? 
(Grace cries.) I didn't think I was going to upset lier like 
that. (Grace cries.) Tell her I didn't mean it. (Sits in 
chair, then feels to see what he is sitting on; rises, finch' 
papers, a hroad smile comes over liis face, takes papers, sits, 
and reads.) 

DR. ANDERSON— There, there, Gracie, take it easy. 
(He takes her to isettee.) Go'odmesis, I've never lieard you 
cry like this before in my life. 

GRACE — (Speaking hetween sohs with great difjicul- 
ly) — Ob, Uncle, I'm so glad you're back — so glad! 



7 6 ^^THE FIRST YEAR'' 

DR. ANDERSON— So am T! Now, what is it, Gracie? 
Tell me all about it. 

GRACE — There was something I waii'ted to tell you! 
I w^anted to tell yoii when I came home, but you weren't 
here. 

DR. ANDERSON— What is it, Gracie? (Grace ivhis- 
pers in liis ear.) God bless you, Gracie ! (Mrs. L. enters 
from L.) 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— Why, Myron, when did you 
get here? 

DR. ANDERSON— Just niis moment. (Grace cries.) 

MRS.- LIVINGSTON— What's the nmtierl 

DR. ANDERSON— Oh, nothing. Grade's a little up- 
set, thiat's 'all. 

GRACE— I'm all righ^t now. 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— fA>5 up C, looking from one 
to the other and deciding not to refer to Grace's crying j 
goes C, giving Livingston a cutting look, blaming hiyn for 
upsetting Grace', turns to Dr.) — Did you have a good time, 
Myron ? 

DR. ANDERSON— fya/H«Y7 easily to Mrs. Living- 
ston, hut keeping his arm around Grace and stroking her 
hair.) — O'h, the usuial sort. These Doo/frors' Conventions 
are .all alike, everything crowded, poor accomimoda'tions, 
and a lot of sitting around lis'tening to old fogies talk. 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— I imagine you did your share. 

DR. ANDERSON— f^/ru7i'/<.^;— No— the Comvention 
only lasted a week. 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— Well, we'd begun to ge>t wor- 
ried 'about you. 

DR. ANDERSON— Why wias that? 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— The Convention was over 
Thursday. We expected you home two days ago. 

DR'. ANDERSON— Oh ! Well, I should have been but 
I stopped off to make a visit. 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— Where? 

DR. ANDERSON— Joplin. (Grace ■ rouses up sud- 
denlij and looks at him.) 

"MRS. LIVINGSTON— Joplin ! Did vou see Tommy? 

DR. ANDERSON— rCa.s^?ra//i/;— Oh, yes. (To Grace) 
I weint ithere ito call on you both — I didn'it know you'd 
come ihome, Grace. 

Qi^^KQ^^ Wondering how much the Dr. knows^ and 



^^THE FIRST YEAR'^ 77 

fr!ji)ig to speak casihj) — Did you — did you find Toinuiv all 
rhght ? 

DR. ANDERSON— Well no— I didn't. 

MRS. JAVINLISTON— (Looking at him suftdnttij)— 
W^iat ? 

DR. ANDERSON— T had a g'ood deal of troul)le he- 
fore T could find him at all. (Grace sits J)ael{ and stares 
at Jiim.) 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— Wbait do vou mean? 

DR, ANDER.SON— Well, the apartment was closed 
when I arrived, T asked the people across the hiall if they 
knew vv'here t'he Tucker's were, a-nd all they eould tell me 
was thait on Tuesday they'd seen a doctor going in there. 

GRACE— A doctor f 

DR. ANDERSON— Yes. T got the doctor's name, 
called him up, amd learned that he had t'aken Tommy to a 
hospital! (Grace spriiigs up suddoitg with a tittle stifled 
scream.) 

DR. ATDERSON— r/i'/.sT.s^ r/?//r/,7//;— There, there,. 
Gracie, i't's all right — nothing to worry a'ho'ut at all. He 
isn't in any danger. 

MRS." LIVINGSTON— But what was it, Myron? 

DR. ANDERSON— (Easily)— Fmsomng— the doctor 
thought. 

GRACE— Not--not suicide? 

DR. ANDERSON— Oih no, no— just something lie^d 
eaten or drunk ! 

GRACE — ((roes up L to bookcase) — Where's a time 
tahle ? 

DR. ANDERSON— ( Secrettg pleased )—^o\v don't 
let it upset you, Grace. He isai't in any danger at all. 

GRACE — (Finds time tahle, comes down between Dr. 
anel Mrs. L., sits on settee L, trying to find the page) — 
But. I've got to get to him — I've got to. You know all 
ahout it, don't you. Uncle? 

MRS. LIVTNGSTON—Know about what? 

GRACE — My leaving him! 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— What? 

ORACLE- Yes, tliat's the truth. Mother. 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— You quarrelled— with TO:\I- 

:siY ? 

GRACE— Not (piarrelled— FOUGHT ! And then we 
separated — forever. And I was a miserable wretcli to do 
it. (Turns over leaves of time table.) Because Tommy 'd 



78 ^^THE FIRs;t YEAR'' 

juBit ihad a gireat diisiappioi'iitmen t, and lost everything! 
And I'd no rigiht ito leave him at a time like that. And 
I'm ashamed lof myself, and I''m going back and tell 
him so — that's what I'm going to do — 5.57. (Goes over 
pages.) 

LIVINGSTON — (Looking up from paper, very loud) 
—Well, I'll be diamiied! 

MRS. LI VINGSTON— Fred ! 

LIVINGSTON— Well, 1 will. Did you see this? 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— We oan't be bothered about 
tlie paper now. 

LIVINGSTON— It's about Tommy! (Grace rises, 
goes up C.) 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— In the paper? 

LIVINGSTON— Yes. 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— Read it. 

LIVINGSTON— Lo'cal boy makes a coup ! (He pro- 
nounces it "kowp.") 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— Miakes a what? 

LIVINGSTON — Well then — ^coop, or whatever yooi 
call it — it's Frenich for clean-iip. 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— Read it! 

LIVINGSTON— ri^6rtr7//?(7;—Tlre( Joplin land Mis- 
'SO'uri R)ailrciad hais ip'urchased Amaisemjent Piao-k land 
will at once start laying tracks for its new line. The largest 
price paid to ^any one holder was one hundred and twenty- 
five thousanil dollars, to Thomas Tucker of Reading. 
Thomas Tucker is the so'n-in-la'W of our distinguished fel- 
low citizen, Mr. Frederick Livingston ! (Gives paper to 
Mrs. L., leans hack in chair puffing cigar with great pomp, 
Grace goes R and back of table R. Dr. gets up G.) 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— (^Loo/.-i/?(/ at article in the pa- 
per) — Ain't that wonderful. I always said th'at Tommy 
was a smart boy. 

LIVINGSTON— So did I. 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— I hope it's all true. 

BR. ANDERSON— Oh, it's true, Sister— no doubt 
about that. 

LIVINGSTON — This paper geneirally gets things 
right. (Dr. starts up to door.) 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— Where are you going Mvron? 

DR. ANDERSON— I'll be back in a few minutes. 
(Exits C.) 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— Tommy rich! I suppose 



^^THE FIRST YEAR/' 79 

i!ic\v'll never live in Reading now. (Church chimes 
sfarf and ring every fifteen seconds until Mr. and Mrs. 
Livingston exit.) Thaifs the last bell. (Xes up C, gets 
hat, throws paper in the chair up (J.) 

LIVINGSTON— (Rises, goes up hark of table. To 
Grace) — A hundred and twenty-five t'hoiisand dollars. 
Well, you picked a fine time foT a fight witli him. (Goes 
out in hall for hat.) 

MRS. LIVINGSTON— ^Yf^v to Grace)— Did you find 
a train, dear? 

GRACE— No ! 

LIVINGSTON— (^rV^^m/H.^ in C;— I'll look 'em up for 
you when we get back from ehure'h. 

GRACE — You needn'it — I'm not going. (Going 
down R.) 

LIVINGSTON— What? 

MRS. ljlYmG^TON—( ^imuttaueoushf with Mr. L) 
—Not going? (Atone.) Why not? 

GRACE — Beca-use I can't. I l&ft him when I thought 
he'd failed — do you think I can go hack now? 

LIVINGSTON— rW/?o has got his hat, holds cloak 
for Mrs. L., which he gets from hack of chair up C.) — Oh, 
don't be so damned silly. Here, Emily! (Holds out the 
cloak.) 

GRACE — ^Silly ! To always have him feel that I came 
baick be'Ca'U'se 'he'd made moii'ey ! (Mrs. L. Xes to Mr. L. up 
C, puts cloak on.) 

LIVINGSTON — If you're so shy about going back — 
I'll go mysielf. I'd like to see Joplin 'anyhow. (Taking 
Mrs. L. by the arm and going out door C.) Come on, 
Emily. Don't forget — hundred and twenty -five thoiisand 
dollars — ^Amusement Park — they'll 'be asking all about it 
at church. (Exits with Mrs. L.) Door hell. Grace stands 
for a wJiile in thought, then sits on sofa. When she hears 
voices in the hall, she rises, thinking her father is speaking 
to Tommy. Off stage.) Well, well, when did you get back 
to town? You'll find Grace right in tlie parlor — try and 
get her to come to church. (Dick enters, looks at Grace a 
moment, comes down C.) 

DICK— Hello, Grace! 

GRACE — (Her expression changes to disappoint- 
ment at it not being Tommy.) Oh, hello Dick. I didn't 
know yo'U were home. (Comes to stool in front of table, 
sits.) 



80 ^^THE FIRST YEAR" 

T>lCK—(;Sits L of fable R)—l got in last nigiit. I 
suppose you know 'whv I 'm b'ack ? 

GRACE— No. 

DICK — I lost my job with t'he railroiad. 

GRACE— (SijmpatheticaUy)—Dk'k— you didn't. 

DICK — Yes, on aeeoiint of wiiat I said ailiout that 
spur line. 

ORACLE— I'm sorry, Dirk. 

D1(;K— It wasn't my fauJit. (Rises, goes L.) They 
told me at tiie afiPice tihat spur was going just wliere I said 
it was. (CUjmes back to her.) T'd rather not bave it known 
'around town — you know the way they talk, and oame over 
to ask it' you'd tell Tommy not to speak of it — 'will you? 

GRACP] — Dii-k, Tommy and T have separated! 

DKTv— Not really J 

GRACE — (Almost hreaki)u/ dowtt) — Yes. 

DK^K— ^S^V.y L of table /^J— You don't say. 

GRACE — Yoii haven't ^&een Tommy again, tHieai? 

DK^K— Not since tbat night. Why? 

GRACE — He said something that made me think he 
migiht see you again. Diek, do you tbink thiat on the night 
you called, I received you with more entbiisiasm than I 
sbould ? 

DICK — Well, you couldn't have been too cordial to 
suit me. 

GRACE — But you didn't misunderstand my welcome 
— you knew it was just friendly ? 

DICK — Of course. Wbat are you trying to find out? 

GRAC^E — I was wondering if I had given Tommy 
cause to be annoyed. He was jealous of the wav I met you. 

DTC^K— Ob, I see.. 

GRAC'E — Tommy laccused me of lots of things that 
night (Rises) of just everytbing. Wby, I have never 
been spoken to in mv life the way be talked to me. 

DICK — (Rises) — Well, I dom't kno'w ais I iblamie Toaii- 
imy much fior being jealous of yoii, Grace. Of co-urse, 
tbieire aire waiys tjo bandilie a wiom'an, and Tommy basn't 
bad eno'ugb experiiemoe to kno^w. It's too bad, bectause if 
eveir a giirl deserved ;afn ace — you do! (He puts his hands 
on Grace's arms and. stands looking ai her as Tommy ap- 
pears in doorway. He is dressed in a cutaway coat, grey 
trousers, patent leather shoes, carries a cane and box of 
flowers. He puts hat on table just outside of door C. he- 
fore he sees Grace.) 



^___ ^^THE FIRST YEAR'' 81 

Grace, looking up, sees Tommy first,. Dick, seeing 
Grace's gaze turned up stage, fottows with a turn of 
the head,^ and as Tommy comes down stage, turns 
sloivly around facing Tommy all the time. 

Tommy comes down to a level with Dick and Grace, 
looks at them for a moment, then throws cane and flowers 
up stage and slaps Dick's face. Grace screams. Tommy 
starts over to speak to Grace as Dick lands his right fist on 
Tommy's jaw. 

Tommy turns, grabs Dick. Dick grabs Tommy, takes 
Jiis coat tails and rips the coat all the way up the back. 
Tommy breaks and pulls off the coat. Dick turns to quiet 
Grace, who is calling for them not to fight. Tommy comes 
back and kicks him on his seat. Dick turns — they struggle. 

GRACE — (Runs up to door C, calling) — Miother, 
Father! Someibo'dy— come quick! (She comes down C, 
calling.) Don't fight — you're killing eacth other. 

DICK — (Has turned Tommy around so that his arms 
are pinned behind him) — It's all rigbt, Grace, I've got 
him! (At this Tommy stamps on his foot. They break. 
Tommy goes L a few steps, then back to Dick — they clinch. 
Dick throws Tommy up stage to floor, jumps on top of him. 

Grace pounds o)b Dick's back trying to separate them. 
They still keep at it; she looks around, sees vase, goes and 
gets it.) 

GRACE — I'll stop you! (She throws vase to hit Dick; 
it goes over his head and hits Tommy, who goes limp. 
Grace screams. 

DICK — (Rises)— Now see what you've done. 

GRACE — Oih, Tommy, D'a'rliing — (Kneels by him.) 

DICK — He deserved iwhat he gott ! (Go.es out calling) 
I'll get the Doctor. Doctor! Doctor! Come quick — Tom- 
my 'shurit! (Dr. enters, meeting Dick, who exits past him. 
Dj'. goes to Tommy and examines him. Grace is kneeling 
beside him.) 

GRACE— Oh, Uincle Myrou, I -t'hink I've killed him, 
don 'it leit li'im S-e — pleiaise. 

DR. ANDERSON— He won't die, Gracie. How did it 
happen ? 

GRACE — I hit him with a vase — 

DR. ANDERSON— What ! 

GRACE— I -aimed it at Dick! I t'hough't Dick was 
killimg him. 

DR. ANDERSON~I see. If you'll get my bag, 



82 ^^THE FIRST YEAR'^ 

Grace, it's in my office. (Grace rushes off T. Tommy 
comes to and takes in Jiis surroioidiJigs. Dr. helps him iip 
and seats him on seMee L. Tommy carries a fine lilack eye.) 

TOMMY— W^h ere 's Loring ? 

DR. ANDERSON— Gone! 

TOMMY— He coining back? 

DR. ANDERSON— No ! 

TOMMY— Thank God for ithat ! (Grace enters with 
hag). 

DR. ANDERSON— You'll be all right in a minnte. 

TOMMY — (Trying to sta)t(l, as lie sees Grace coming 
doirn C.) I am all right now. (Sicays; Grace and the Dr. 
get him seated again). 

DR. ANDERSON— Yoii sit still till I fix you up. (He 
reaches in hag for cotton and antiseptic.) 

(mACE~(Very timidly )^noeH it hurt? 

TO:\IMY— ^6'/i'r.s- her one look) It does, but I've beem 
'hurt S'o much la't'ely itHi'ait I don't mind it as much as I 
might. 

DR. ANDERSON— Grace, will yo'u get some water 
and a cloth — a napkin will do.( Grace goes out L.) Don't 
talk that way to her, Tommy, Grace feels pretty had al)Out 
this. 

TOMMY— I hope (she does. (Doctor is now put- 
ting some antiseptic on Tommy ^s head.) That fellow 
Lo/ri'ng hi'ts ;ain awiful bliow, D'ootior. 

DR. ANDERSON— Lioring didn't hit you there. 

TOMMY— Well, it's all swollen 

DR. ANDERSON— Yes, and cut! 

TOMMY— And bleeding. I didn't just lireak out thai 
way, did I? 

DR. ANDERSON— Oh no, y\o\\ w^ere hit ! (Goes to 
hag, fixes gauze pad for Tommy ^s eye.) 

TOMMY— 1 thought so. 

DR. ANDERSON— With a vase. 

TOMMY— Is that all? It felt like a saife. 

DR. ANDERSON— Grace threw it ! 

TOMMY— (Looks at Dr.) She still loves me, then. 

DR. ANDERSON— She thought Loring was getting 
the hetter of you. 

TOMMY — I isee^ — she wanted ito m'ake fsure. I knew I 
wa;s wrong to come hack here with you, Docto^r — but you 
said it was the time for me to see her — that there 'd be no- 



^^THE FIRST YEAR'' 83 

body 'hioime, and 'slie'd fall on my neck. You s'aid that, 
didn't you? 

DR. ANDERSON— Yes, Tommy, [ said tli^at. 

TOMMY^Yoii had the sit'ua)lion diagnosed all wrong, 
Doi'tnr. (Grace enters with basin of water and cloth). 

GRACE— Here, Uncle. 
• DR. ANDERSON— Thank yon, dear. (Puis pan on 
table, wets end of the napli'n and washes Tomtnij's eye, 
then goes through bag fur scissors and adJicsive plaster). 
Now, Grace, if you'll lielp me here — hold Tommy's head 
that way so I can see. (Grace mattes a movement to help). 

TOMMY— I can Irokl my own head, thank you. (Takes 
his Jiead in his hands). 

DR. ANDERSON— Tliat's all right, 'but I want 
Grace to hold t'his adliesive plaster so I can cut it. (Cuts 
plaster, Grace holds it.) (Puts pad on Tommy's eye.) 
There, thiis will bie fine. Afteir tlie ..lieiad stops 'aching, 'Tom- 
my, yo'u'll be lall Tiglit. 

GRACE— Tliem tlhaft'is 'all you want of me? (Xes 
up B.C.) 

TOMMY— ('A^r.y up to her (\)—Jusi one moment, 
please. (Grace stops by chair R.C.) There's sometlring 
I'd like to say to you, if I may — I 'wou't take up mucli of 
your time. 

GRACE— Well? 

TOMMY — Cointrairy to th'e opinions of master minds, 
I happened to guess certain facts labout a railroad. T haA'o 
a check liere which I think yon are entitled to. (Offers 
checJi\) 

GRACE — That's very generous of you, but I don't 
want your money. 

TOMMY— i shall give it to the Doctor if you don't 
take it. 

GRACE— 1 won't touch it. 

TOMMY— Will you see tliat Mr. Livingston gets tliat. 
Doctor? (Dcctor takes check. Tommi/ Xes C, gets coat 
from floor, puts it on, Xes to Grace.) ..Good-bye! (He 
starts up for box and cane.) 

GRACE— Good-bye! 

DR. ANDERSON— Aren't yon going to say good-l)ye 
to me? 

TOMMY— Goo d-l>ye. Doctor. (Xing down to Dr. and 
shaking hands). 

DR. ANDERSON- Before you go, Tommy, there's 



84 ^^THE FIRST YEAR" 

one ques'tio'ii I'd like yoii to ansiwer. 

TOMMY— AVhai is it. Doctor? 

DR. ANDERSON— Wbat wculd you ratlier l^e than 
anyt'liin^ in t'he vvoTld 1 

TOM^SIY— (After a nwmcui's Uioughf) Single! 

DR. ANDERSON— I do^n believe you mean that, 
Tommy. I know you love Gr'ace, aijd you've passed the 
worst time. 

GRACE — (Going to stool, sits) I have passed the 
worst time I have ever 'had. 

DR. ANDERSON— rXi/^f/ to Grace)— WiW you 
please tell me, Girace, what it wais all al>out? 

GRACE— Yes, I will ! H-e was downright lirutal to 
me ! 

TOMMY— Brutal? Wihy do you say that to the 
Doctor? 

GRA'CE — Because you were! I have .marks on my 
arms yet where von held me. 

DR. ANDERSON— Wbat did you do that for, Tom- 
my ? 

TOMMY — ^Sh^e tried tio leave t'he boxtse at nine o'clock 
at ni^lit. 

DR. ANDERSON— ("To r/mc^';— Is tliat true, Grace? 

GRACE — Yes — a'fifcer ilie tialked tio nie so I couldn't 
feitand ijt lany longer. (Tommy Xe^s to settee and sits.) 

DR. ANDERSON — And ymi weire leaving for good? 

GRACE— Yes. 

DR. ANDERSON— And lie ^grabbed you and lield 
y o'u ? 

GRACE— Yes, he did. 

DR. ANDERSON— Well, soime women would think 
tliat flattering. 

GRACE— Well, I don't! 

DR. ANDERSON— Why, Gracie, Tommy talked of 
you t'he wliole time at the hospital, and didn't want to live 
unless you came back to liim. 

TOMMY— That's wlien I was delirious. 

DR. ANDERSON— No, yon wieren't— (Xes to C.)— 
and Tommy w'hien Grace helarid yio'u'd (been isiek, she nearly 
toire the time table, looking up the lirsit train that would 
itiake her hack to yoai. 

GRACE— Uncle 

DR. ANDERSON— Yes, you did, and you called your- 
self naimes and said you were ashamed of yourself. 



^ ^^THE FIRST YEAR^^ 85 

GRACE— But I— won't 

DR. ANDERSON— Stop rt, Grace! 

TOMMY— There isn't one oliance in t'lie world 

DR. ANDERSON— Shut up, Tommy! (Tommy sub- 
sides) . You two are just suffering from matrimonial 
measles, troubles that look terriible, but don't amount to 
anything! Everybody 'has them, and like measles, it's 
better to bave them young and get over them. Years from 
now, you're either going to Laugh at this or cry over it. If 
you let it take you ap^art, you're going to cry, so let's laugb 
at it. Wbat do you say, Graeie? (Grace turns away). 
How about you, Tommy? (Tommy puts up his hand 
'^ never again") And, Tomimy, 3^011 '11 want to be around 
to see your baby ! 

TOMMY— (Looks at Dr.) No ! 

DR. ANDERSON— Don't look so scared— it's liap- 
pened before. 

TOMMY— I know-^but not to me. (Rises, Xes to 
Grace.) Is it true? (Grace hows her head.) .Forgive 
me? (Grace looks at him, puts her arms around him) I 
hope be's 'going ito 'like us! 

THE END. 




LIBRftRY OF CONGRESS 

ipn. 

018 603 878 2 # 



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